Suspected Bondi Beach Attackers Operated Alone and Received No Preparation in the Philippines, Investigators Say.
The two suspected attackers who carried out the fatal shooting at a Hanukkah event on Bondi Beach, which claimed 15 lives, reportedly been lone actors, as stated by national law enforcement.
Investigators further stated that Sajid Akram, 50, and his son Naveed Akram, 24, journeyed to the Philippines on 1 November. Their itinerary included arriving in the capital Manila before connecting that same day to Davao City. The pair flew back to Sydney on 29 November.
No Evidence of Planning During Stay
Investigators indicate the individuals did not partake in any type of terrorist instruction or "planning" during their time in the Philippines. Early inquiries from local officials suggest they "hardly ventured out of" their accommodation.
The attack—declared Australia's deadliest firearm massacre since 1996—has been formally designated a act of terrorism.
"We are actively reviewing the material," the commissioner said, explaining that early assessments indicate that "these individuals are believed to have operated independently."
Australian Federal Police Chief Krissy Barrett briefed reporters on Tuesday that CCTV footage showing the accused attackers' activities in the Philippines had been handed over to domestic investigators.
"There is no evidence to indicate these suspects were affiliated with a larger network, or were directed by overseas entities to execute an act of violence," the police chief stated.
However, the pair were additionally not necessarily in the Philippines for tourism, she noted. She emphasized that, since the investigation is still active, fresh information could emerge.
Inspiration and Legal Charges
Previously, Australian leader Anthony Albanese remarked it seems both alleged gunmen were "influenced by ISIS" ideology.
During the shooting, Sajid Akram was killed by police. He and his son Naveed—both armed with long-barrelled guns—allegedly targeted guests at the Hanukkah celebration.
Naveed Akram, who was hospitalised after the shooting, has been formally accused of 59 crimes. These encompass 15 counts of murder and one count of committing a terrorist act. He is scheduled to face court in April.
Immigration Information
In the days following the attack, immigration authorities in the Philippines stated that the father had entered the country using an foreign passport, while his younger suspect used an Australian passport.
The duo had stated the metropolis of Davao as their intended endpoint. Their pre-arranged return flight to Australia was for Sydney.
Davao is a expansive urban center on the eastern side of Mindanao, the Philippines' largest island in the south. It is noted that, Islamist militants have been known to operate in less developed parts of central and south-western Mindanao.
