Bondi gunman Naveed Akram has been formally charged with 59 offences over the attack which claimed 15 lives.

The offences include 15 counts of murder, committing a terrorist act and 40 counts of causing wounding/grievous bodily harm to person with intent to murder.

Naveed Akram remains in hospital under police guard and was represented by a Legal Aid lawyer for his first court appearance on Wednesday, which took place via audio-visual link in a virtual court before Magistrate Daniel Covington.

He made no application for bail and it was formally refused.

His case will be mentioned again on December 22.

A second gunman, Akram’s father Sajid, was shot dead by police at the scene.

Just after 6:40pm on Sunday, the pair opened fire on a community gathering celebrating the Jewish festival Hanukkah near the iconic beach. 

Dozens of people were injured, including four children and two police officers.

Twenty people injured in the attack remain in hospital.

Attack allegedly inspired by Islamic State

On Sunday night Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon declared the shooting a terrorist attack based on the incident taking place at a religious festival, the types of weapons used and items found at the scene.

Police investigators said early indications pointed to a terrorist attack inspired by Islamic State, a listed terrorist organisation in Australia.

“Police will allege in court the man engaged in conduct that caused death, serious injury and endangered life to advance a religious cause and cause fear in the community,” a NSW Police statement said.

Sajid Akram held a registered firearm licence since 2015 for recreational hunting and was permitted to possess six firearms.

Long arm guns were used in the attack and all firearms have since been seized.

The police investigation, which has been described as “massive” and “complex”, is ongoing.

Loading