Alleged Bondi Attackers Acted Solo and Received No Training in the Southeast Asian Nation, Police State.
The two alleged individuals responsible for the deadly shooting at a Hanukkah gathering on Bondi Beach, which claimed 15 lives, are believed to have acted alone, per Australian law enforcement.
Authorities 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 travel plans involved landing in the capital Manila before transiting that same day to Davao City. The pair returned to Sydney on 29 November.
No Evidence of Planning During Stay
Investigators have stated the duo did not partake in any form of attack-related coaching or "logistical preparation" during their time in the Philippines. Initial findings from Philippine officials point to they "hardly ventured out of" their accommodation.
The attack—labeled as Australia's worst mass shooting since 1996—has been formally designated a terrorist incident.
"Our teams are currently reviewing the footage," she said, noting that early assessments indicate that "these individuals are alleged to have operated independently."
National law enforcement Chief Krissy Barrett briefed reporters on Tuesday that CCTV footage showing the accused attackers' movements in the Philippines had been provided to Australian authorities.
"Our investigation shows no evidence to suggest these alleged offenders were affiliated with a wider organization, or were acting on orders from external parties to perpetrate an incident," Commissioner Barrett said.
However, the duo were also not necessarily in the Philippines as tourists, Commissioner Barrett added. She emphasized that, given that the investigation is still active, additional details may come to light.
Inspiration and Court Proceedings
In prior statements, Australian leader Anthony Albanese remarked it seems both accused gunmen were "inspired by Islamic State" extremist views.
During the attack, Sajid Akram was shot dead by responding officers. He and his son Naveed—reportedly carrying firearms—allegedly opened fire on attendees at the Jewish festival event.
Naveed Akram, who was wounded after the attack, has been charged with 59 offences. These include 15 counts of murder and one count of perpetrating a terrorist act. He is due to face court in April.
Travel Details
In the wake following the attack, immigration officials in the Philippines stated that the older suspect had arrived in the country using an Indian passport, while his son used an domestic passport.
The pair had declared the metropolis of Davao as their final destination. Their scheduled journey back to Australia was for Sydney.
Davao is a sprawling metropolis on the east of Mindanao, the Philippines' primary island in the south. Historically, Islamist groups have reportedly be active in impoverished parts of southern and western Mindanao.
