Full Breakdown
Bondi Beach Terror Attack: Navid Akram Faces Record 78 Charges
6/10/2026, 10:39:53 PM
New Charges Raise Total to 78
On 10 June 2026, the Commonwealth prosecutor filed 19 additional offences against Navid Akram, the 24-year-old accused of the December 14 2025 Bondi Beach shooting that killed 15 people at a Hanukkah celebration. The new counts—10 for shooting with intent to murder, six for discharging a firearm to resist arrest, and three for causing grievous bodily harm with intent to murder—raise the total to 78, the highest charge count in an Australian criminal case to date.
Background of the December 2025 Attack
The attack unfolded on Sydney’s Bondi Beach when Navid Akram and his 50-year-old father, Sajid Akram, opened fire on the crowd. Police killed Sajid Akram and wounded Navid Akram, who was later arrested and transferred to Goulburn Supermax prison. Prosecutors allege the assault was directly inspired by the Islamic State (ISIS) terrorist organization. The incident remains Australia’s deadliest mass shooting since the 1996 Port Arthur massacre.
Key Individuals and Agencies
- Navid Akram – primary defendant, now in custody at Goulburn Supermax.
- Sajid Akram – father and co-perpetrator, killed by police at the scene.
- Leonie Gittani – defense counsel for Navid Akram.
- Danielle New – senior prosecutor handling the case.
- Joint Counter-Terrorism Team (JCTT) – investigative body reviewing 230,000 CCTV images and numerous digital devices.
- Deputy Chief Judge Michael Antrum – approved a nine-week adjournment to accommodate the evidence volume.
- Royal Commission on Antisemitism and Social Cohesion – continuing a secret inquiry into intelligence and security failures, with a report due before the first anniversary of the massacre.
Charges Breakdown
- Original charges (59): 15 counts of murder, 40 counts of attempted murder, 1 count of committing a terrorist act.
- New charges (19): 10 counts of shooting with intent to murder, 6 counts of discharging a firearm to resist arrest, 3 counts of causing grievous bodily harm with intent to murder.
- Total charges: 78.
Official Statements & Responses
Prosecutor Danielle New told the Downing Centre Local Court that the JCTT is “progressing really steadily” while reviewing an “unprecedented volume” of evidence, including 230,000 CCTV images and numerous seized devices that require translation. Deputy Chief Judge Michael Antrum noted the “significant volume of material” and granted an extended adjournment beyond the usual six-month limit to ensure a complete brief. The Royal Commission on Antisemitism and Social Cohesion affirmed its ongoing investigation and pledged recommendations before the massacre’s first anniversary. Defense counsel Leonie Gittani emphasized that Akram has not entered a plea because the case “is still in its infancy” and the full evidence brief has yet to be served.
Verbatim Quotes
- “In a matter of this magnitude, it’s not unusual for additional charges to be laid,” — Leonie Gittani, defense attorney
- “It’s an unprecedented matter so ... we’ve got a job to do.” — Leonie Gittani, defense attorney
- “The Joint Counter-Terrorism Team are progressing really steadily and well through the preparation of this matter,” — Danielle New, prosecutor
- “The outstanding evidence ... includes 230,000 images from CCTV.” — Danielle New, prosecutor
- “There’s still a lot more brief to be served, so until that time comes we’re not in a position to enter any pleas,” — Leonie Gittani, defense attorney
Future Proceedings
A suppression-order hearing is set for 29 June 2026 to determine the extent of victim and police identity protections. Navid Akram’s next court appearance is scheduled for 12 August 2026. The Royal Commission is expected to deliver its findings before 14 December 2026, marking the first anniversary of the Bondi Beach massacre.
