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Two individuals embrace beneath police officers standing guard outside Bondi Pavilion after an attack on a Jewish holiday celebration at Sydney’s Bondi Beach on December 15, 2025. — Reuters
Lawyers representing a man accused of a fatal shooting at Bondi Beach in Sydney requested a court order Monday to prevent media outlets from naming his family, citing safety concerns.
Authorities claim 24-year-old Naveed Akram opened fire during a Hanukkah celebration on December 14, resulting in 15 deaths, marking Australia’s most severe mass shooting in recent history.
His father, Sajid Akram, who is also accused of involvement in the attack, was shot and killed by police at the scene.
Police allege that both men were motivated by Daesh, using multiple high-powered firearms that Sajid Akram had legally obtained, to carry out the assault.
Naveed Akram’s legal team sought a court order in Sydney to keep his mother, brother, and sister’s names, along with their residence and workplaces, from being made public.
Judge Greg Grogan extended a temporary suppression order until the following month, citing intense international media interest.
Akram faces 59 charges, including 15 counts of murder, 40 counts of attempted murder, and a terrorism offense. He has not yet entered a plea.
The case is scheduled to return briefly to court next week, with a more extensive hearing set for April 8, during which prosecutors will present their evidence.
The attack stunned the nation, which is known for its strict gun control laws, and prompted renewed calls for tougher regulations and increased efforts to combat antisemitism.
Last month, Australia launched a government-led inquiry into antisemitism and social cohesion, expected to deliver its findings by December.
The government has already responded by tightening gun laws and passing new legislation aimed at curbing hate speech.
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