Suspected Bondi Attackers Acted Solo and Received No Instruction in the Philippines, Police Say.
The two alleged attackers responsible for the deadly incident at a Jewish event on Bondi Beach, which claimed 15 lives, are believed to have been lone actors, according to Australian law enforcement.
Police further stated that the 50-year-old Sajid Akram, and his 24-year-old son Naveed Akram, 24, travelled to the Philippines on 1 November. Their itinerary involved landing in the capital Manila before connecting on the day of arrival to Davao City. The duo flew back to Sydney on 29 November.
No Evidence of Planning During Trip
Investigators indicate the individuals did not partake in any form of attack-related training or "planning" during their stay in the Philippines. Initial investigations from local authorities point to they "mostly stayed in" their hotel.
The shooting—labeled as Australia's deadliest firearm massacre since 1996—has been officially classified as a terrorist incident.
"We are currently examining the material," the commissioner said, noting that preliminary reviews indicate that "these individuals are believed to have been lone actors."
National law enforcement Chief Krissy Barrett briefed the press on Tuesday that CCTV footage tracking the accused attackers' whereabouts in the Philippines had been provided to domestic investigators.
"There is little to no indication to indicate these suspects were members of a wider terrorist cell, or were instructed by external parties to perpetrate an incident," the police chief emphasized.
But, the duo were additionally not necessarily in the Philippines for tourism, the official clarified. She stressed that, as the probe is ongoing, additional details may come to light.
Motivation and Court Charges
Previously, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese remarked it appears both alleged attackers were "inspired by the so-called Islamic State" ideology.
During the incident, Sajid Akram was shot dead by police. He and his son Naveed—reportedly carrying firearms—are accused of having opened fire on participants at the Hanukkah event.
Naveed Akram, who was hospitalised after the shooting, has been charged with 59 offences. These comprise 15 charges of murder and one count of committing a terrorist act. He is expected to face court in April.
Immigration Particulars
In the wake following the shooting, border authorities in the Philippines stated that the father had entered the country using an Indian passport, while his son used an domestic passport.
The two had listed the metropolis of Davao as their intended endpoint. Their pre-arranged return flight to Australia was for Sydney.
Davao is a large city on the eastern side of Mindanao, the Philippines' largest island in the south. Historically, Militant fighters have been known to operate in impoverished parts of central and south-western Mindanao.
