Alleged Bondi Attackers Operated Independently and Received No Training in the Philippines, Police Say.
The pair of accused attackers responsible for the lethal shooting at a Hanukkah gathering on Bondi Beach, that took 15 lives, appear to have been lone actors, per national law enforcement.
Investigators further stated that the 50-year-old Sajid Akram, and his 24-year-old son Naveed Akram flew to the Philippines on 1 November. Their itinerary included landing in the main city Manila before connecting on the day of arrival to Davao City. The father and son returned to Sydney on 29 November.
No Evidence of Planning During Visit
Investigators indicate the duo did not undergo any form of terrorist coaching or "organizing" during their visit in the Philippines. Preliminary investigations from local authorities suggest they "hardly ventured out of" their hotel.
The incident—declared Australia's deadliest firearm massacre since 1996—has been formally declared a act of terrorism.
"We are currently examining the material," she said, explaining that initial assessments show that "the alleged offenders are suspected to have acted alone."
Australian Federal Police Chief Krissy Barrett briefed media on Tuesday that security camera video showing the accused attackers' whereabouts in the Philippines had been provided to domestic authorities.
"There is little to no indication to suggest these accused individuals were members of a broader network, or were directed by others to perpetrate an act of violence," she stated.
However, the pair were additionally not in the Philippines on a leisure trip, the official noted. She stressed that, since the probe is still active, fresh information could come to light.
Motivation and Court Proceedings
Previously, the nation's Prime Minister Anthony Albanese remarked it appears both alleged attackers were "influenced by Islamic State" ideology.
During the shooting, Sajid Akram was shot dead by responding officers. He and his son Naveed—reportedly carrying long-barrelled guns—allegedly targeted guests at the Jewish festival celebration.
Naveed Akram, who was injured and taken to hospital after the attack, has been formally accused of 59 charges. These comprise 15 charges of murder and one count of perpetrating a act of terrorism. He is due to face court in April.
Immigration Details
In the aftermath following the attack, border officials in the Philippines reported that the father had arrived in the country using an Indian passport, while his younger suspect used an domestic passport.
The pair had listed the southern city of Davao as their final destination. Their booked journey back to Australia was for Sydney.
Davao is a sprawling city on the eastern side of Mindanao, the Philippines' primary southern island. It is noted that, Islamist groups have been known to be active in poorer parts of central and south-western Mindanao.
