Accused Bondi Attackers Operated Solo and Received No Preparation in the Philippines, Police Confirm.
The two alleged attackers responsible for the fatal shooting at a Hanukkah celebration on Bondi Beach, which claimed 15 lives, appear to have operated independently, per national authorities.
Police also confirmed that the 50-year-old Sajid Akram, and his 24-year-old son Naveed Akram, 24, travelled to the Philippines on 1 November. Their itinerary involved landing in the capital Manila before connecting on the day of arrival to Davao City. The father and son returned to Sydney on 29 November.
No Evidence of Preparation During Visit
Authorities assert the pair did not receive any type of terrorist coaching or "logistical preparation" during their time in the Philippines. Early findings from local officials indicate they "hardly ventured out of" their hotel.
The incident—declared Australia's most severe firearm massacre since 1996—has been officially designated a act of terrorism.
"Our teams are currently analyzing the footage," she stated, adding that early reviews indicate that "these individuals are believed to have acted alone."
National law enforcement Chief Krissy Barrett briefed the press on Tuesday that CCTV footage documenting the accused attackers' movements in the Philippines had been provided to Australian investigators.
"Our investigation shows no evidence to indicate these alleged offenders were part of a larger network, or were directed by external parties to carry out an attack," Commissioner Barrett said.
But, the duo were additionally not necessarily in the Philippines on a leisure trip, Commissioner Barrett noted. She stressed that, as the inquiry is still active, additional details might emerge.
Inspiration and Court Proceedings
Earlier, the nation's Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said it looks as though both alleged attackers were "inspired by Islamic State" beliefs.
During the shooting, Sajid Akram was killed by police. He and his son Naveed—equipped with rifles—are accused of having shot guests at the Jewish festival celebration.
Naveed Akram, who was injured and taken to hospital after the attack, has been formally accused of 59 crimes. These comprise 15 charges of murder and one count of perpetrating a terrorist act. He is scheduled to appear in court in April.
Immigration Particulars
In the wake following the attack, border authorities in the Philippines indicated that the father had entered the country using an Indian passport, while his younger suspect used an Australian passport.
The duo had listed the metropolis of Davao as their intended endpoint. Their booked return flight to Australia was for Sydney.
Davao is a large urban center on the east of Mindanao, the Philippines' primary island in the south. Historically, Militant groups have been known to operate in poorer parts of southern and western Mindanao.
