Accused Bondi Beach Shooters Operated Independently and Received No Instruction in the Philippines, Police Say.
The two suspected individuals who carried out the fatal attack at a Hanukkah event on Bondi Beach, resulting in 15 lives, are believed to have been lone actors, according to Australian authorities.
Investigators additionally revealed that the 50-year-old Sajid Akram, and his 24-year-old son Naveed Akram travelled to the Philippines on 1 November. Their travel plans involved arriving in the capital Manila before connecting on the day of arrival to Davao City. The father and son flew back to Sydney on 29 November.
Lack of Proof of Preparation During Visit
Police assert the pair did not undergo any form of terrorist training or "organizing" during their time in the Philippines. Early investigations from Philippine authorities indicate they "mostly stayed in" their accommodation.
The shooting—declared Australia's most severe firearm massacre since 1996—has been officially declared a act of terrorism.
"Our teams are actively analyzing the evidence," the commissioner said, noting that initial reviews show that "the two men are suspected to have been lone actors."
National law enforcement Chief Krissy Barrett briefed reporters on Tuesday that security camera video showing the accused attackers' whereabouts in the Philippines had been submitted to domestic investigators.
"There is little to no indication to support the idea these alleged offenders were members of a broader network, or were instructed by overseas entities to perpetrate an attack," she emphasized.
But, the pair were also not necessarily in the Philippines as tourists, Commissioner Barrett clarified. She emphasized that, as the inquiry is ongoing, new evidence could come to light.
Motivation and Legal Charges
In prior statements, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said it seems both accused gunmen were "influenced by Islamic State" beliefs.
During the incident, Sajid Akram was shot dead by responding officers. He and his son Naveed—reportedly carrying rifles—allegedly targeted guests at the Hanukkah event.
Naveed Akram, who was hospitalised after the shooting, has been formally accused of 59 crimes. These comprise 15 charges of murder and one count of committing a act of terrorism. He is expected to face court in April.
Immigration Particulars
In the wake following the shooting, border authorities in the Philippines reported that the older suspect had entered the country using an Indian passport, while his son used an Australian passport.
The pair had stated the southern city of Davao as their final destination. Their booked journey back to Australia was for Sydney.
Davao is a expansive metropolis on the east of Mindanao, the Philippines' primary island in the south. It is noted that, Islamist fighters have reportedly operate in less developed parts of central and south-western Mindanao.
