Accused Bondi Beach Attackers Acted Alone and Did Not Undergo Preparation in the Philippines, Authorities Say.
The pair of accused attackers who carried out the fatal attack at a Hanukkah celebration on Bondi Beach, that took 15 lives, are believed to have operated independently, per national authorities.
Police additionally revealed that Sajid Akram, 50, and his 24-year-old son Naveed Akram flew to the Philippines on 1 November. Their travel plans involved landing in the capital Manila before traveling onward on the day of arrival to Davao City. The father and son flew back to Sydney on 29 November.
No Evidence of Training During Stay
Police assert the duo did not partake in any type of terrorist training or "organizing" during their time in the Philippines. Early investigations from Philippine officials point to they "rarely left" their hotel.
The attack—described as Australia's most severe firearm massacre since 1996—has been officially declared a terrorist incident.
"Our teams are actively examining the evidence," the commissioner stated, adding that early reviews suggest that "the alleged offenders are suspected to have acted alone."
National law enforcement Chief Krissy Barrett informed the press on Tuesday that CCTV footage showing the alleged gunmen's activities in the Philippines had been submitted to Australian authorities.
"Our investigation shows no evidence to support the idea these alleged offenders were part of a larger organization, or were instructed by overseas entities to carry out an attack," Commissioner Barrett emphasized.
However, the men were likewise not in the Philippines on a leisure trip, Commissioner Barrett noted. She emphasized that, as the inquiry is ongoing, new evidence might surface.
Ideology and Legal Proceedings
In prior statements, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese commented it seems both accused gunmen were "inspired by Islamic State" extremist views.
During the incident, Sajid Akram was shot dead by police. He and his son Naveed—reportedly carrying firearms—are accused of having shot participants at the Hanukkah event.
Naveed Akram, who was hospitalised after the shooting, has been formally accused of 59 offences. These include 15 charges of murder and one count of committing a terrorist act. He is scheduled to face court in April.
Immigration Particulars
In the wake following the attack, border authorities in the Philippines reported that the father had arrived in the country using an foreign passport, while his son used an domestic passport.
The duo had stated the southern city of Davao as their final destination. Their booked journey back to Australia was for Sydney.
Davao is a expansive city on the east of Mindanao, the Philippines' largest southern island. It is noted that, Militant militants have been known to operate in poorer parts of southern and western Mindanao.
