Alleged Bondi Attackers Acted Solo and Received No Training in the Southeast Asian Nation, Investigators Confirm.
The two alleged gunmen who carried out the deadly incident at a Jewish event on Bondi Beach, that took 15 lives, are believed to have operated independently, per Australian authorities.
Investigators also confirmed that the 50-year-old Sajid Akram, and his 24-year-old son Naveed Akram travelled to the Philippines on 1 November. Their itinerary included arriving in the main city Manila before connecting that same day to Davao City. The duo flew back to Sydney on 29 November.
Lack of Proof of Preparation During Trip
Police assert the duo did not receive any type of attack-related training or "logistical preparation" during their time in the Philippines. Preliminary inquiries from Philippine officials indicate they "rarely left" their accommodation.
The incident—labeled as Australia's deadliest mass shooting since 1996—has been formally classified as a act of terrorism.
"Our teams are currently reviewing the evidence," the commissioner stated, adding that initial reviews indicate that "these individuals are suspected to have operated independently."
Australian Federal Police Commissioner Krissy Barrett told the press on Tuesday that security camera video tracking the accused attackers' movements in the Philippines had been handed over to Australian authorities.
"There is no evidence to suggest these accused individuals were affiliated with a broader organization, or were instructed by others to carry out an incident," she emphasized.
However, the duo were likewise not necessarily in the Philippines on a leisure trip, Commissioner Barrett clarified. She emphasized that, given that the probe is ongoing, new evidence could emerge.
Motivation and Legal Proceedings
In prior statements, Australian leader Anthony Albanese said it seems both alleged gunmen were "motivated by Islamic State" beliefs.
During the attack, Sajid Akram was fatally shot by responding officers. He and his son Naveed—reportedly carrying rifles—allegedly opened fire on guests at the Hanukkah celebration.
Naveed Akram, who was hospitalised after the attack, has been formally accused of 59 charges. These include 15 counts of murder and one count of perpetrating a terrorist act. He is scheduled to appear in court in April.
Travel Particulars
In the aftermath following the attack, border authorities in the Philippines reported that the older suspect had entered the country using an Indian passport, while his son used an domestic passport.
The two had listed the southern city of Davao as their intended endpoint. Their booked journey back to Australia was for Sydney.
Davao is a expansive city on the east of Mindanao, the Philippines' largest southern island. The region is known because, Militant groups have reportedly be active in less developed parts of central and south-western Mindanao.
