Police take more than 800 witness statements in Bondi Chanukah shooting investigation

More than 800 witness statements have been collected in the ongoing investigation into the terror attack that killed 15 people at a Chanukah festival on Bondi Beach, Australia.

Naveed Akram, 24, and his father, Sajid—who was shot dead by police at the scene—allegedly opened fire during at the event at Archer Park in Sydney on December 14.

Akram, currently held in a maximum-security prison, faces 78 charges, including 15 counts of murder, 43 counts of attempted murder, and one count of committing a terrorist act. He has not yet entered a plea.

Among the victims was Rabbi Eli Schlanger, 41, a London-born father of five and assistant rabbi at Chabad of Bondi.

At a hearing in Sydney’s Downing Centre Local Court on Wednesday, the Commonwealth Director of Public Prosecutions reported that the Joint Counter Terrorism Team had gathered more than 800 witness statements, reviewed hundreds of hours of video footage, and continued to examine devices allegedly linked to the defendant.

The court adjourned proceedings until October 28 to allow further investigation.

According to New South Wales Police, the father and son parked their vehicle near a footbridge overlooking Archer Park on the evening of December 14, then opened fire on festival attendees. They also allegedly threw improvised explosive devices into the crowd, though none detonated.

Two officers and dozens of civilians were injured in the attack.

Court documents indicate that Sajid and Naveed Akram visited the area for “reconnaissance and planning” in the days leading up to the attack. Police also allege the pair practiced firearms training in the Australian countryside.

In response to the tragedy, the Australian government established the Royal Commission on Antisemitism and Social Cohesion. In its first interim report, the Commission recommended that authorities prioritise gun reform.