Accused gunman charged with 59 offences including 15 counts of murder

Published 39 minutes ago
Source: 9news.com.au
Accused gunman charged with 59 offences including 15 counts of murder

Naveed Akram has been charged with 59 offences after a terrorist incident that claimed the lives of 15 people and injured 41 more at Bondi Beach on Sunday. 

The 24-year-old awoke from a coma in hospital yesterday, after he was critically shot and hospitalised during an alleged shootout with police. 

The NSW Joint Counter Terrorism Team, comprised of NSW Police, AFP, ASIO and the NSW Crime Commission, has this afternoon charged him with a slew of offences.

READ MORE: Radio saved the life of Bondi terror attack victim

Naveed Akram (far right).

The offences include 15 counts of murder, committing a terrorist act, 40 counts of causing wounding/grievous bodily harm to a person with intent to murder, discharging a firearm with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, causing public display of a prohibited terrorist org symbol and placing an explosive in/near a building with intent to cause harm.

Earlier today, NSW Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon said police were waiting for him to recover before pressing charges. 

"For us to do that, it's important that he has appropriate cognitive ability at the time when you're on medication, we would argue for his fairness," he said at a press conference.

"We need to make sure that he's able to understand exactly what's happening."

Investigators will allege officers arrived to find Naveed and his father Sajid Akram, 50, using long arms to fire into crowds of people when they called to Bondi Beach after 6.40pm on Sunday.

Several officers exchanged shots with the accused gunmen, and two officers were shot in the process.

The alleged nine-minute assault came to an end when Sajid was shot dead, and Naveed was critically shot and hospitalised under police custody. 

READ MORE: How everyday Aussies can help in the wake of the Bondi shooting

Naveed Akram.

A total of 15 people were killed, aged 10 to 87, and 41 more were injured.

Police will allege in court that Naveed committed actions that caused death, serious injury and endangered life to advance a religious cause and cause fear in the community.

"Early investigations indicate it was an alleged terrorist attack inspired by ISIS, a listed terrorist organisation in Australia," a NSW Police statement reads.

Naveed will remain in hospital under police guard until he faces court via a livestream from his bedside later today.

Australian Federal Police Commissioner Krissy Barrett earlier said early investigations indicate that no other individual is expected to face charges.

"There is no evidence to suggest other individuals were involved in this attack, however, we caution that this could change given it is early in our investigation," she said.

If you have been impacted by the terror attack in Bondi there is support available.

To contact Lifeline Australia, call 13 11 14 or text 0477 13 11 14.

For people under 25 years old, you can contact Kids Helpline at 1800 55 1800.

Both of these are available on a 24/7 basis.

If you wish to donate blood, you can find your nearest donor centre here.

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