The 24-year-old man suspected of carrying out an ISIS-inspired terror attack in Australia targeting a Jewish celebration on Sunday will face terrorism and murder charges, authorities announced Wednesday.
Naveed Akram was charged by the New South Wales Joint Counter Terrorism Team with terrorism and 15 counts of murder. Akram is accused of opening fire on a Hanukkah celebration taking place at the popular Bondi Beach, killing 15 people and injuring dozens more.
The attack was also carried out by 50-year-old Sajid Akram, who was killed by law enforcement. Naveed Akram was hospitalized after suffering critical injuries during the attack.
He was also charged with 40 counts of wounding/grievous bodily harm to a person with intent to murder, discharging a firearm with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, public display of a prohibited terrorist organization symbol, and placing explosives in/near buildings with intent to cause harm.
“Police will allege in court the man engaged in conduct that caused death, serious injury and endangered life to advance a religious cause and cause fear in the community,” New South Wales Police said. “Early indications point to a terrorist attack inspired by ISIS, a listed terrorist organisation in Australia.”
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Two ISIS flags reportedly discovered in a vehicle belong to Naveed and Sajid. Investigators also say that the pair traveled to the Philippines between November 1 and November 28, where there is a strong Islamist presence. The Australian Broadcasting Corporation reported that sources said the two received “military-style training” while in the Philippines.
Naveed Akram was previously investigated by authorities over ties to an Islamic State terror cell six years ago. He was wrapped up in an investigation into a foiled ISIS attack that was planned by a man who declared himself the Australian commander of an ISIS cell in Australia. He was under investigation for six months before being deemed to pose no ongoing threat.
Those killed during the attack range between the ages of 10 and 87, though some are still being identified. Forty-one people were initially hospitalized after the attack, and 20 are still receiving treatment.
Victims named so far include Rabbi Eli Schlanger, who helped organize the event, a 10-year-old girl named Matilda Britvan, Peter Meagher, who was the photographer of the event, Tibor Weitzen, Dan Elkayam, Reuven Morrison, Yaakov Levitan, and Holocaust survivor Alexander Kleytman.
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