Accused Bondi Attackers Operated Alone and Did Not Preparation in the Philippines, Investigators Confirm.
The two suspected attackers responsible for the deadly incident at a Hanukkah gathering on Bondi Beach, resulting in 15 lives, reportedly acted alone, per Australian police.
Police also confirmed that Sajid Akram, 50, and his son Naveed Akram, 24, flew to the Philippines on 1 November. Their itinerary included landing in the main city Manila before transiting that same day to Davao City. The duo flew back to Sydney on 29 November.
No Evidence of Training During Stay
Authorities indicate the pair did not partake in any form of terrorist training or "organizing" during their time in the Philippines. Initial findings from Philippine authorities point to they "mostly stayed in" their hotel.
The incident—labeled as Australia's worst firearm massacre since 1996—has been officially declared a act of terrorism.
"We are currently examining the evidence," the commissioner stated, explaining that initial reviews suggest that "the alleged offenders are suspected to have acted alone."
National law enforcement Chief Krissy Barrett informed media on Tuesday that CCTV footage tracking the accused attackers' whereabouts in the Philippines had been provided to domestic authorities.
"Our investigation shows no evidence to suggest these suspects were affiliated with a broader organization, or were instructed by overseas entities to perpetrate an incident," Commissioner Barrett said.
But, the men were likewise not necessarily in the Philippines as tourists, the official added. She emphasized that, as the inquiry is still active, additional details might emerge.
Motivation and Court Proceedings
Earlier, the nation's leader Anthony Albanese said it appears both accused gunmen were "influenced by Islamic State" beliefs.
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 wounded after the shooting, has been formally accused of 59 charges. These include 15 charges of murder and one count of carrying out a act of terrorism. He is scheduled to face court in April.
Immigration Information
In the wake following the attack, immigration authorities in the Philippines reported that the father had arrived in the country using an foreign passport, while his younger suspect used an Australian passport.
The pair had listed the metropolis of Davao as their final destination. Their booked return flight to Australia was for Sydney.
Davao is a sprawling urban center on the east of Mindanao, the Philippines' largest southern island. The region is known because, Militant militants have been known to be active in less developed parts of southern and western Mindanao.
