Suspected Bondi Beach Attackers Operated Alone and Did Not Preparation in the Philippines, Police Say.
The pair of accused individuals who carried out the lethal incident at a Jewish celebration on Bondi Beach, resulting in 15 lives, appear to have operated independently, per Australian authorities.
Investigators also confirmed that Sajid Akram, 50, and his son Naveed Akram, 24, journeyed to the Philippines on 1 November. Their itinerary involved landing in the main city Manila before transiting that same day to Davao City. The father and son returned to Sydney on 29 November.
No Evidence of Training During Stay
Investigators indicate the duo did not undergo any type of terrorist coaching or "logistical preparation" during their stay in the Philippines. Initial findings from Philippine officials suggest they "hardly ventured out of" their hotel.
The incident—labeled as Australia's deadliest firearm massacre since 1996—has been formally designated a act of terrorism.
"Our teams are actively analyzing the footage," the commissioner said, explaining that early reviews suggest that "the two men are alleged to have acted alone."
National law enforcement Chief Krissy Barrett informed media on Tuesday that CCTV footage documenting the accused attackers' activities in the Philippines had been provided to domestic authorities.
"There is little to no indication to indicate these suspects were members of a wider organization, or were directed by overseas entities to execute an attack," Commissioner Barrett emphasized.
However, the duo were additionally not in the Philippines for tourism, she clarified. She emphasized that, since the inquiry is continuing, new evidence might come to light.
Motivation and Legal Charges
Previously, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese commented it seems both accused gunmen were "influenced by Islamic State" ideology.
During the incident, Sajid Akram was shot dead by responding officers. He and his son Naveed—both armed with long-barrelled guns—allegedly shot participants at the Jewish festival celebration.
Naveed Akram, who was hospitalised after the attack, has been formally accused of 59 charges. These include 15 charges of murder and one count of carrying out a act of terrorism. He is expected to face court in April.
Immigration Particulars
In the wake following the attack, border authorities in the Philippines reported that the older suspect had entered the country using an foreign passport, while his younger suspect used an Australian passport.
The pair had stated the metropolis of Davao as their final destination. Their pre-arranged journey back to Australia was for Sydney.
Davao is a sprawling city on the east of Mindanao, the Philippines' largest southern island. Historically, Militant groups have been known to operate in less developed parts of central and south-western Mindanao.
