Accused Bondi Attackers Acted Independently and Received No Instruction in the Philippines, Authorities State.
The two alleged gunmen who carried out the fatal attack at a Jewish event on Bondi Beach, which claimed 15 lives, appear to have operated independently, per Australian police.
Investigators further stated that the 50-year-old Sajid Akram, and his son Naveed Akram flew to the Philippines on 1 November. Their travel plans included arriving in the capital Manila before traveling onward that same day to Davao City. The pair returned to Sydney on 29 November.
No Evidence of Planning During Visit
Authorities indicate the duo did not partake in any form of terrorist coaching or "logistical preparation" during their time in the Philippines. Initial investigations from Philippine officials point to they "mostly stayed in" their accommodation.
The incident—labeled as Australia's most severe mass shooting since 1996—has been officially designated a terrorist incident.
"We are currently analyzing the material," the commissioner said, adding that early reviews suggest that "the alleged offenders are believed to have been lone actors."
Australian Federal Police Chief Krissy Barrett told reporters on Tuesday that CCTV footage documenting the accused attackers' whereabouts in the Philippines had been provided to Australian investigators.
"There is no evidence to support the idea these suspects were affiliated with a broader organization, or were directed by others to perpetrate an attack," she emphasized.
Yet, the duo were additionally not in the Philippines as tourists, the official clarified. She underscored that, as the investigation is continuing, additional details might surface.
Motivation and Legal Proceedings
Earlier, the nation's Prime Minister Anthony Albanese commented it seems both accused gunmen were "inspired by Islamic State" ideology.
During the incident, Sajid Akram was killed by police. He and his son Naveed—both armed with rifles—are accused of having opened fire on participants at the Jewish festival celebration.
Naveed Akram, who was hospitalised after the shooting, has been formally accused of 59 crimes. These include 15 counts of murder and one count of carrying out a terrorist act. He is scheduled to appear in court in April.
Immigration Details
In the wake following the attack, border officials in the Philippines indicated that the father had entered the country using an Indian passport, while his younger suspect used an domestic passport.
The two had stated the metropolis of Davao as their final destination. Their booked return flight to Australia was for Sydney.
Davao is a large metropolis on the eastern side of Mindanao, the Philippines' primary island in the south. It is noted that, Militant militants have been known to be active in impoverished parts of central and south-western Mindanao.
