Australian police have filed multiple terrorism-related charges against Naveed Akram, the suspected gunman in the deadly Bondi Beach attack, as investigators continued to piece together details of what has been described as one of the worst mass shootings in the country’s recent history.
In a statement on Wednesday, the New South Wales Police said Akram has been charged with terrorism offences, 15 counts of murder and several other crimes linked to Sunday evening’s shooting at a Jewish festival in Sydney.
Authorities said the prosecution will argue that the attack was carried out to promote a religious ideology and deliberately instil fear within the wider community.
“Police will allege in court that the accused engaged in actions that caused death, serious injury and danger to life,” the statement said, adding that preliminary investigations suggest the assault was inspired by ISIS, a terrorist organisation banned in Australia.
According to police, Akram and his father, Sajid Akram, allegedly opened fire on festival-goers at Bondi Beach, killing 15 people and injuring dozens.
Among those who lost their lives were a 10-year-old girl, two Holocaust survivors and a married couple who were reportedly shot while attempting to stop the gunmen.
Sajid Akram was killed during a confrontation with police at the scene, while Naveed Akram was critically injured after being shot by officers.
Local media reported that he regained consciousness on Tuesday night after being in a coma.
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Police said Naveed Akram is also facing 40 counts of causing grievous bodily harm with intent to murder, as well as charges related to the public display of symbols linked to a prohibited terrorist organisation.
Investigators confirmed that two homemade Islamic State flags were recovered from a vehicle registered in his name and parked near the beach.
Akram remains under police guard in hospital and is expected to appear in court via an audiovisual link on Wednesday, authorities said.
AFP