Alleged Bondi Beach gunman charged with 19 more offences over mass shooting

A man accused of carrying out one of Australia's deadliest mass shootings at Sydney's Bondi Beach in December has faced 19 new charges. Police allege the attack, which claimed 15 lives during a Hanukkah celebration, was motivated by the Islamic State.

Naveed Akram, 24, was initially charged with 59 offenses, including 15 counts of murder and 40 counts of wounding with intent to murder, along with a terror offense. On Wednesday, Akram's lawyer informed a Sydney court that 19 additional charges had been filed, according to local media reports. Court records indicate these new charges encompass 10 counts of shooting with intent to murder, six counts of discharging a firearm with intent to resist arrest, and three counts of causing wounding or grievous bodily harm with intent to murder.

Akram has not yet entered a plea to any of the charges. His father, Sajid Akram, 50, who was also accused by authorities of participating in the shooting, was killed by police at the scene.

The attack sent shockwaves through Australia, a nation known for its stringent gun control laws. It has reignited calls for tighter regulations and more decisive measures to combat antisemitism. In response, the Australian government has launched an inquiry into antisemitism and social cohesion, with findings expected by December.