Bondi Beach Shooting Accused Naveed Akram Appears in Court

Sydney, Australia – Naveed Akram, accused of carrying out Australia’s worst mass shooting in almost 30 years, appeared in a Sydney court via video link on Monday, February 16, 2026. This marked his first public hearing since the attack at Bondi Beach in December.

Details of the Court Appearance

The 24-year-old Akram faces 59 charges, including 15 counts of murder and one charge of committing a terrorist act . The hearing lasted approximately five minutes. Akram reportedly spoke only one word, “yeah,” when asked by Deputy Chief Magistrate Sharon Freund if he understood a discussion regarding suppression orders .

The Bondi Beach Attack

Naveed Akram and his father, Sajid Akram, allegedly attacked a Hanukkah celebration at Bondi Beach on December 14, killing 15 people and injuring more than 40 . Sajid Akram, 50, was shot and killed by police at the scene. Naveed Akram was critically injured and later transferred from hospital to Goulburn supermax prison.

Legal Representation and Next Steps

Akram’s lawyer, Ben Archbold, stated it was too early to determine a plea and that his client was being held in “highly onerous conditions” at the Goulburn supermax prison . Archbold also indicated that they are awaiting the full brief of evidence from the prosecution. Akram is next scheduled to appear in court on March 9 .

Investigation and Background

Police documents revealed that Akram and his father had engaged in firearms training in the New South Wales countryside prior to the shooting . Investigators believe the attack was meticulously planned over several months. The pair also allegedly recorded a video in October expressing anti-Semitic sentiments and detailing their motivations, referencing the Islamic State .

National Impact

The Bondi Beach shooting has prompted national soul-searching in Australia regarding antisemitism, the protection of Jewish Australians, and potential tightening of gun laws . The victims included an 87-year-old Holocaust survivor, a couple who confronted the gunmen, and a 10-year-old girl .