Australian police have announced that 59 charges have been filed against an individual involved in the attack at a Jewish event on Bondi Beach in Sydney on Sunday. The charges include terrorism-related offenses and 15 counts of murder.
The suspect is expected to appear in court via video link. Authorities had previously stated that they were awaiting an improvement in the suspect’s medical condition before formally laying charges.
Earlier this week, reports indicated a rising death toll, with 16 fatalities and 40 injuries resulting from the attack. Police confirmed that one of the attackers was among the deceased, while the other was critically injured and remains hospitalized under police guard.
Local media identified the attackers as Sajid Akram, 50, who was killed in a shootout with police, and his son, Navid Akram, 24. Navid Akram is currently hospitalized in critical condition.
The attack targeted celebrations for the Jewish holiday of Hanukkah in the Bondi Beach area. The Australian Minister of Interior stated that one of the attackers entered the country on a student visa, while the other was born in Australia.
Investigations are ongoing. Initial reports suggest a possible link to ideologies associated with the Islamic State group. Authorities reportedly discovered homemade bombs and two locally-made ISIS flags in a vehicle used by one of the individuals.
DZWatch will continue to provide updates as this story develops.
