Accused Bondi Gunmen Operated Solo and Received No Preparation in the Philippines, Authorities Say.
The pair of accused attackers who carried out the fatal attack at a Jewish event on Bondi Beach, resulting in 15 lives, reportedly operated independently, per national authorities.
Authorities also confirmed that Sajid Akram, 50, and his 24-year-old son Naveed Akram, 24, flew to the Philippines on 1 November. Their travel plans included landing in the capital Manila before transiting on the day of arrival to Davao City. The father and son returned to Sydney on 29 November.
No Evidence of Training During Stay
Authorities assert the duo did not undergo any form of terrorist training or "logistical preparation" during their stay in the Philippines. Initial investigations from Philippine officials suggest they "hardly ventured out of" their accommodation.
The attack—described as Australia's deadliest firearm massacre since 1996—has been officially classified as a act of terrorism.
"Our teams are currently analyzing the evidence," she said, adding that initial assessments suggest that "the two men are suspected to have been lone actors."
National law enforcement Chief Krissy Barrett briefed reporters on Tuesday that security camera video tracking the alleged gunmen's movements in the Philippines had been submitted to domestic investigators.
"Our investigation shows no evidence to support the idea these alleged offenders were part of a larger terrorist cell, or were instructed by others to execute an incident," she stated.
Yet, the pair were also not necessarily in the Philippines for tourism, the official noted. She underscored that, as the probe is ongoing, additional details may surface.
Motivation and Court Charges
In prior statements, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese remarked it looks as though both alleged attackers were "inspired by ISIS" extremist views.
During the attack, Sajid Akram was shot dead by police. He and his son Naveed—reportedly carrying firearms—are accused of having shot attendees at the Jewish festival celebration.
Naveed Akram, who was hospitalised after the attack, has been formally accused of 59 crimes. These encompass 15 charges of murder and one count of committing a act of terrorism. He is due to appear in court in April.
Immigration Details
In the days following the attack, border officials in the Philippines indicated that the older suspect had entered the country using an Indian passport, while his younger suspect used an Australian passport.
The pair had stated the metropolis of Davao as their intended endpoint. Their booked return flight to Australia was for Sydney.
Davao is a large city on the east of Mindanao, the Philippines' main island in the south. It is noted that, Islamist groups have reportedly operate in poorer parts of central and south-western Mindanao.
