Accused Bondi Attackers Acted Alone and Received No Training in the Southeast Asian Nation, Police Confirm.
The two suspected individuals who carried out the fatal shooting at a Hanukkah celebration on Bondi Beach, which claimed 15 lives, reportedly been lone actors, as stated by Australian authorities.
Investigators additionally revealed that Sajid Akram, 50, and his 24-year-old son Naveed Akram, 24, travelled to the Philippines on 1 November. Their itinerary included arriving in the main city Manila before traveling onward that same day to Davao City. The pair flew back to Sydney on 29 November.
Lack of Proof of Preparation During Stay
Police have stated the duo did not undergo any type of attack-related instruction or "organizing" during their visit in the Philippines. Preliminary inquiries from local authorities suggest they "rarely left" their hotel.
The shooting—labeled as Australia's most severe mass shooting since 1996—has been formally declared a terrorist incident.
"We are currently reviewing the material," the commissioner stated, explaining that early evaluations show that "these individuals are believed to have been lone actors."
Australian Federal Police Chief Krissy Barrett informed the press on Tuesday that security camera video documenting the alleged gunmen's whereabouts in the Philippines had been provided to Australian investigators.
"Our investigation shows little to no indication to indicate these alleged offenders were affiliated with a larger network, or were acting on orders from external parties to carry out an incident," Commissioner Barrett emphasized.
However, the duo were likewise not in the Philippines as tourists, she clarified. She emphasized that, given that the probe is continuing, new evidence may come to light.
Motivation and Legal Charges
In prior statements, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese remarked it appears both alleged gunmen were "influenced by the so-called Islamic State" ideology.
During the shooting, Sajid Akram was shot dead by responding officers. He and his son Naveed—reportedly carrying firearms—allegedly shot guests at the Hanukkah event.
Naveed Akram, who was injured and taken to hospital after the shooting, has been formally accused of 59 charges. These encompass 15 charges of murder and one count of carrying out a terrorist act. He is scheduled to appear in court in April.
Travel Details
In the wake following the attack, border authorities in the Philippines indicated that the father had arrived in the country using an foreign passport, while his younger suspect used an domestic passport.
The pair had listed the metropolis of Davao as their intended endpoint. Their scheduled return flight to Australia was for Sydney.
Davao is a large urban center on the east of Mindanao, the Philippines' primary island in the south. The region is known because, Islamist fighters have been known to operate in less developed parts of southern and western Mindanao.
