The suspect in one of Australia’s worst mass shootings at Sydney’s Bondi Beach last December has been charged with 19 additional offences.
According to local police, the attack that killed 15 people at a Hanukkah celebration was inspired by Isis. They had initially charged Naveed Akram with 59 offences in the days following the shooting, including 15 counts of murder, 40 counts of wounding with intent to murder, and a terror offence.
The attack stunned a nation known for its strict gun laws, prompting renewed calls for tighter controls. In the aftermath, the Australian government launched an inquiry into antisemitism and social cohesion which was due to submit its findings by December.
Mr Akram’s lawyer, Leonie Gittani, told a court in Sydney on Wednesday that 19 additional charges had been filed, according to local media.
Court records showed the new charges included 10 counts of shooting with intent to murder, six of discharging a firearm with intent to resist arrest, and three counts of causing wounding or grievous bodily harm with intent to murder.
Mr Akram, 24, was yet to enter a plea.
His father, Sajid Akram, 50, whom authorities also accused of carrying out the shooting, was shot dead by police at the scene.
