Suspected Bondi Attackers Acted Independently and Did Not Preparation in the Philippines, Authorities State.
The two alleged individuals who carried out the lethal shooting at a Hanukkah celebration on Bondi Beach, which claimed 15 lives, appear to have been lone actors, according to Australian authorities.
Police further stated that the 50-year-old Sajid Akram, and his 24-year-old son Naveed Akram travelled to the Philippines on 1 November. Their itinerary included landing in the main city Manila before transiting that same day to Davao City. The father and son returned to Sydney on 29 November.
Lack of Proof of Preparation During Visit
Police have stated the pair did not receive any form of terrorist instruction or "logistical preparation" during their visit in the Philippines. Early investigations from local authorities suggest they "rarely left" their hotel.
The attack—labeled as Australia's deadliest mass shooting since 1996—has been officially declared a terrorist incident.
"We are actively analyzing the evidence," the commissioner stated, explaining that initial evaluations show that "the alleged offenders are suspected to have operated independently."
National law enforcement Chief Krissy Barrett informed reporters on Tuesday that CCTV footage documenting the accused attackers' movements in the Philippines had been submitted to domestic investigators.
"There is no evidence to indicate these suspects were members of a wider terrorist cell, or were instructed by overseas entities to carry out an act of violence," the police chief stated.
But, the pair were likewise not in the Philippines on a leisure trip, the official added. She emphasized that, given that the probe is continuing, fresh information might come to light.
Inspiration and Court Proceedings
Previously, the nation's leader Anthony Albanese said it looks as though both alleged gunmen were "inspired by the so-called Islamic State" extremist views.
During the incident, Sajid Akram was fatally shot by responding officers. He and his son Naveed—both armed with firearms—allegedly targeted attendees at the Jewish festival event.
Naveed Akram, who was hospitalised after the shooting, has been charged with 59 crimes. These encompass 15 charges of murder and one count of committing a act of terrorism. He is expected to face court in April.
Travel Particulars
In the aftermath following the shooting, border officials in the Philippines indicated that the father had arrived in the country using an Indian passport, while his younger suspect used an domestic passport.
The duo had listed the metropolis of Davao as their intended endpoint. Their booked journey back to Australia was for Sydney.
Davao is a sprawling city on the east of Mindanao, the Philippines' largest southern island. It is noted that, Islamist groups have reportedly be active in poorer parts of southern and western Mindanao.
