Alleged Bondi Beach Attackers Acted Alone and Received No Training in the Philippines, Investigators Say.
The two suspected individuals who carried out the deadly incident at a Hanukkah gathering on Bondi Beach, which claimed 15 lives, are believed to have acted alone, as stated by national law enforcement.
Investigators further stated that the 50-year-old Sajid Akram, and his 24-year-old son Naveed Akram, 24, flew to the Philippines on 1 November. Their itinerary involved arriving in the capital Manila before transiting that same day to Davao City. The duo returned to Sydney on 29 November.
No Evidence of Training During Visit
Authorities assert the individuals did not partake in any type of attack-related instruction or "organizing" during their visit in the Philippines. Initial findings from local officials indicate they "mostly stayed in" their accommodation.
The attack—labeled as Australia's most severe mass shooting since 1996—has been officially classified as a act of terrorism.
"Our teams are actively examining the material," the commissioner said, adding that early reviews suggest that "the alleged offenders are suspected to have acted alone."
National law enforcement Chief Krissy Barrett briefed the press on Tuesday that CCTV footage documenting the alleged gunmen's whereabouts in the Philippines had been handed over to domestic investigators.
"Our investigation shows no evidence to indicate these alleged offenders were part of a broader organization, or were directed by others to perpetrate an act of violence," Commissioner Barrett stated.
Yet, the pair were likewise not in the Philippines as tourists, Commissioner Barrett clarified. She stressed that, given that the probe is continuing, fresh information could surface.
Inspiration and Court Charges
Earlier, the nation's Prime Minister Anthony Albanese remarked it seems both accused attackers were "inspired by the so-called Islamic State" ideology.
During the attack, Sajid Akram was fatally shot by responding officers. He and his son Naveed—equipped with firearms—allegedly shot attendees at the Jewish festival celebration.
Naveed Akram, who was hospitalised after the attack, has been charged with 59 crimes. These encompass 15 charges of murder and one count of carrying out a terrorist act. He is expected to face court in April.
Travel Particulars
In the wake following the shooting, immigration authorities in the Philippines indicated that the older suspect had arrived in the country using an Indian passport, while his son used an domestic passport.
The duo had declared the southern city of Davao as their intended endpoint. Their booked journey back to Australia was for Sydney.
Davao is a expansive urban center on the eastern side of Mindanao, the Philippines' main southern island. It is noted that, Militant fighters have reportedly operate in impoverished parts of central and south-western Mindanao.