The shooting took place on Sunday, December 14, during an event celebrating the first day of the Jewish holiday of Hanukkah. 15 people were killed and dozens were injured. It was the deadliest gun attack in Australia since 1996.
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Alleged Sydney shooter faces 59 charges
According to investigators, Akram will answer, among other things, for 40 cases of causing grievous bodily harm with intent to kill, using a firearm in a public place, placing explosives and publicly displaying symbols of a banned terrorist organization. The police claim that his actions were intended to spread fear and were ideologically motivated.
The 24-year-old was seriously injured during the intervention. He is currently in hospital under police surveillance. The first court hearing was held from his hospital bed via videoconference. The case was postponed until April 2026. The police informed that Akram's formal interrogation would begin after the effects of strong drugs wore off, so that he would be fully aware of the course of the proceedings.
The attack injured 41 people, including four children. Currently, 20 injured people are still in hospitals in Sydney, one person is in a critical condition. Two police officers also suffered gunshot injuries – one of them is in a serious but stable condition.
The police classified the event as a terrorist attack. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced that there are serious indications that he was inspired by the ideology of the so-called Islamic State. The services reported that “homemade” Islamic State flags and improvised explosive devices were found in the vehicle used by the attackers.
The investigation is being conducted by a special joint counter-terrorism unit, which includes officers from the state and federal police, intelligence services and the crime commission. The police announce further actions and emphasize that the case has the highest priority.
