Gunman Naveed Akram Remains in Coma as Police Wait to Charge Bondi Beach Shooter, Nation Mourns 16 Dead

Gunman Naveed Akram, 24, remains in a coma following the Bondi Beach terror attack that killed 16 people including his father and one of the gunmen. Police are holding off placing charges against Akram until his medical condition stabilises sufficiently to allow legal proceedings to commence. The younger suspect is under police guard in hospital as investigators await his recovery to formally charge him in connection with the mass shooting.

The terror attack occurred on Sunday evening when Naveed Akram and his father Sajid Akram, 50, opened fire on a Jewish holiday celebration at Bondi Beach marking the first day of Hanukkah. Sajid Akram was shot dead by police at the scene during the exchange of gunfire. The attack left 16 people dead, with victims ranging in age from 10 to 87 years old.

Among those killed in the assault was a 10-year-old girl and Rabbi Eli Schlanger, a respected community leader who had served the Jewish community for 18 years. The victims also included a Holocaust survivor and other members of the community gathered for the Hanukkah by the Sea celebration at Bondi Beach. Over 40 people remain hospitalised with injuries sustained during the mass shooting.

The investigation into Naveed Akram's actions and motivations continues as authorities work to understand the circumstances leading to the terror attack. Police are waiting for Akram's condition to stabilise before placing formal charges, recognising that his current medical status prevents immediate legal proceedings. Once his health permits, Akram is expected to face serious criminal charges related to the deaths and injuries he caused during the shooting.

The attack has prompted significant national response across Australia. The national cabinet has unanimously agreed to strengthen the country's already strict gun laws in the wake of the terror attack. Proposed measures include restricting firearm ownership to Australian citizens only, accelerating a national firearms register, limiting the number of guns a single person can own, and further restricting legal weapon types.

The hero who disarmed one of the gunmen during the attack, Ahmed al-Ahmed, a 43-year-old fruit shop owner, continues recovering from multiple gunshot wounds sustained during his intervention. Over $1 million has been raised through a GoFundMe campaign to support al-Ahmed's recovery and family needs. The fundraising campaign includes a $100,000 donation from billionaire investor Bill Ackman, reflecting international recognition of al-Ahmed's life-saving actions.

New Zealand police have increased security presence at Jewish community locations across the country in response to the terror attack. Armed police have been stationed at synagogues and places of worship in major cities including Auckland and Wellington. New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon announced that police are meeting with Jewish community leaders to provide enhanced security reassurances and increased patrols.

Australians across the nation have gathered for vigils and tributes to honour the 16 people killed in the attack. Community members have left flowers and candles at Bondi Beach and other locations, reflecting the nation's collective grief and solidarity with victims' families. The vigils have become spaces for Australians to process the trauma of the terror attack and express support for the Jewish community.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has pledged government support for victims' families, including fast-tracking funeral visas for international family members seeking to travel to Australia for memorial services. The federal government has established a dedicated team to process visa applications at an accelerated pace, recognising the timeline constraints of Jewish funeral traditions.

The attack has also prompted discussion of citizenship recognition for al-Ahmed's elderly parents, who cannot return to Syria due to ongoing civil conflict. His migration lawyer has called for the parents to be granted Australian citizenship as recognition of their son's service to the community in saving numerous lives during the terror attack.