Naveed Akram, the accused gunman in the Bondi Beach shooting that resulted in the deaths of 15 people during a Hanukkah celebration, made his first court appearance via video link from Goulburn Correctional Centre on February 16, 2026. During the brief hearing, Akram, 24, responded affirmatively to questions from the magistrate, indicating his understanding of the proceedings. He faces 59 charges, including 15 counts of murder and one count of terrorism. His lawyer, Ben Archbold, mentioned that while Akram is coping with prison conditions, it is still too early to determine his plea (ABC International, BBC World, The Guardian).