The man accused of carrying out Australia's deadliest anti-Semitic terror attack has regained consciousness in a Sydney hospital, providing investigators with a critical opportunity for questioning.
Suspect Awakens as Investigation Intensifies
Naveed Akram, 24, awoke from his coma on Tuesday, more than 48 hours after the horrific shooting at Bondi Beach. He and his father, Sajid Akram, 50, allegedly opened fire on a crowd gathered for the 'Chanukah by the Sea' event last Sunday evening, marking the first night of Hanukkah.
The attack, which occurred around 6.40pm, claimed 15 lives and left at least 40 people injured. The victims ranged in age from 10 to 87 years old. Sajid Akram was killed during a subsequent shootout with police, while his son was critically injured and hospitalised.
Counter-terrorism detectives are now poised to interview Naveed Akram, even if only briefly. Under special powers granted by the Terrorism Act, police can detain him for up to 14 days once formally arrested as they work to build their case and prepare charges.
A Community in Mourning: Victims and Heroes
As the investigation into the motive continues, the victims of the tragedy have begun to be identified. Many were attendees of the Jewish community event, which included a barbecue on the grass at the iconic beach.
Among those killed were Boris and Sofia Gurman, who are believed to be among the first fatalities. Reports indicate Boris Gurman attempted to disarm Sajid Akram before the gunman reached a footbridge.
Another victim, Jewish woman Edith Brutman, was attending the celebration with Tibor Weitzen and his wife. Tibor Weitzen reportedly died after shielding his wife from the gunfire.
The Sydney community has been left reeling, with hundreds of floral tributes and messages of solidarity, grief, and support laid outside Bondi Pavilion. Fundraisers for heroes like Ahmed al Ahmed, who tackled Sajid Akram to prevent further deaths, have raised hundreds of thousands of dollars.
National Repercussions and Calls for Reform
The shocking event has already sparked immediate calls for tighter gun control, marking the first significant push for reform since the Port Arthur massacre in 1996. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese addressed the issue on Tuesday, invoking the legacy of former Prime Minister Robert Menzies and the laws created after the Port Arthur tragedy.
"The very nature of our gun laws means that they are only as strong as the weakest link," Mr Albanese stated. He emphasised the government's commitment to strengthening existing legislation.
A large crime scene remains established at Campbell Parade in Bondi and is expected to be in place until at least Wednesday afternoon as forensic officers meticulously piece together the sequence of events.
Meanwhile, some of those injured in the shooting are beginning to be released from hospital, though 22 victims remain under medical treatment. The nation now grapples with the aftermath of what is officially the deadliest act of anti-Semitic violence in its history.
