Suspected Bondi Beach Attackers Operated Solo and Received No Training in the Philippines, Investigators Say.
The two suspected attackers responsible for the lethal incident at a Hanukkah celebration on Bondi Beach, resulting in 15 lives, appear to have been lone actors, per national police.
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 main city Manila before connecting on the day of arrival to Davao City. The pair flew back to Sydney on 29 November.
No Evidence of Planning During Trip
Authorities indicate the duo did not receive any type of terrorist coaching or "organizing" during their time in the Philippines. Early findings from local authorities indicate they "mostly stayed in" their accommodation.
The attack—described as Australia's worst firearm massacre since 1996—has been formally declared a act of terrorism.
"We are currently analyzing the footage," the commissioner said, noting that early reviews show that "the alleged offenders are believed to have operated independently."
National law enforcement Chief Krissy Barrett briefed media on Tuesday that security camera video tracking the alleged gunmen's activities in the Philippines had been submitted to Australian investigators.
"Our investigation shows little to no indication to support the idea these accused individuals were part of a broader terrorist cell, or were instructed by overseas entities to execute an incident," she said.
Yet, the duo were additionally not necessarily in the Philippines as tourists, Commissioner Barrett noted. She stressed that, since the inquiry is ongoing, new evidence may emerge.
Motivation and Legal Proceedings
Previously, Australian leader Anthony Albanese remarked it looks as though both alleged gunmen were "inspired by ISIS" ideology.
During the shooting, Sajid Akram was fatally shot by police. He and his son Naveed—reportedly carrying firearms—allegedly shot guests at the Jewish festival celebration.
Naveed Akram, who was hospitalised after the shooting, has been formally accused of 59 charges. These include 15 counts of murder and one count of perpetrating a terrorist act. He is due to face court in April.
Travel Information
In the wake following the shooting, border authorities in the Philippines indicated that the older suspect had entered the country using an foreign passport, while his younger suspect used an Australian passport.
The pair had listed the metropolis of Davao as their intended endpoint. Their scheduled journey back to Australia was for Sydney.
Davao is a expansive city on the east of Mindanao, the Philippines' primary island in the south. Historically, Islamist militants have been known to be active in poorer parts of southern and western Mindanao.
