Alleged Bondi Attackers Acted Alone and Did Not Undergo Preparation in the Philippines, Investigators Confirm.
The pair of accused gunmen who carried out the lethal attack at a Jewish event on Bondi Beach, which claimed 15 lives, reportedly acted alone, as stated by Australian law enforcement.
Authorities additionally revealed that Sajid Akram, 50, and his 24-year-old son Naveed Akram travelled to the Philippines on 1 November. Their travel plans involved landing in the capital Manila before traveling onward on the day of arrival to Davao City. The pair returned to Sydney on 29 November.
No Evidence of Training During Stay
Authorities have stated the pair did not partake in any form of terrorist coaching or "planning" during their time in the Philippines. Early inquiries from Philippine officials indicate they "mostly stayed in" their hotel.
The shooting—described as Australia's deadliest firearm massacre since 1996—has been officially declared a terrorist incident.
"Our teams are currently examining the footage," the commissioner stated, explaining that preliminary reviews suggest that "the alleged offenders are suspected to have operated independently."
Australian Federal Police Chief Krissy Barrett informed the press on Tuesday that CCTV footage documenting the alleged gunmen's whereabouts in the Philippines had been submitted to Australian investigators.
"Our investigation shows little to no indication to suggest these alleged offenders were members of a broader terrorist cell, or were instructed by overseas entities to perpetrate an act of violence," the police chief emphasized.
However, the duo were also not in the Philippines for tourism, the official noted. She stressed that, as the investigation is ongoing, additional details could emerge.
Inspiration and Legal Charges
Previously, Australian leader Anthony Albanese commented it looks as though both alleged attackers were "motivated by the so-called Islamic State" extremist views.
During the incident, Sajid Akram was killed by police. He and his son Naveed—reportedly carrying long-barrelled guns—allegedly shot attendees at the Jewish festival event.
Naveed Akram, who was hospitalised after the attack, has been formally accused of 59 offences. These include 15 charges of murder and one count of carrying out a act of terrorism. He is expected to face court in April.
Travel Details
In the aftermath following the attack, border officials in the Philippines reported that the father had arrived in the country using an foreign passport, while his son used an domestic passport.
The two had listed the metropolis of Davao as their intended endpoint. Their scheduled journey back to Australia was for Sydney.
Davao is a sprawling city on the eastern side of Mindanao, the Philippines' primary island in the south. The region is known because, Militant militants have been known to be active in less developed parts of southern and western Mindanao.
