Suspected Bondi Attackers Acted Independently and Received No Instruction in the Philippines, Investigators Confirm.
The two suspected individuals responsible for the lethal incident at a Hanukkah gathering on Bondi Beach, that took 15 lives, are believed to have operated independently, as stated by national police.
Authorities further stated that Sajid Akram, 50, and his 24-year-old son Naveed Akram travelled to the Philippines on 1 November. Their travel plans included landing in the main city Manila before connecting on the day of arrival to Davao City. The pair returned to Sydney on 29 November.
No Evidence of Training During Visit
Investigators indicate the pair did not partake in any type of attack-related training or "planning" during their visit in the Philippines. Preliminary investigations from Philippine authorities point to they "rarely left" their accommodation.
The shooting—declared Australia's deadliest mass shooting since 1996—has been formally classified as a terrorist incident.
"We are currently reviewing the evidence," the commissioner stated, noting that early reviews indicate that "these individuals are suspected to have operated independently."
National law enforcement Commissioner Krissy Barrett briefed reporters on Tuesday that CCTV footage showing the alleged gunmen's whereabouts in the Philippines had been provided to Australian authorities.
"There is no evidence to suggest these alleged offenders were members of a larger terrorist cell, or were directed by overseas entities to perpetrate an incident," Commissioner Barrett emphasized.
Yet, the pair were likewise not necessarily in the Philippines as tourists, Commissioner Barrett clarified. She underscored that, given that the probe is still active, fresh information could come to light.
Motivation and Legal Charges
In prior statements, the nation's Prime Minister Anthony Albanese commented it looks as though both accused gunmen were "inspired by the so-called Islamic State" beliefs.
During the incident, Sajid Akram was killed by responding officers. He and his son Naveed—reportedly carrying rifles—allegedly opened fire on guests at the Hanukkah event.
Naveed Akram, who was hospitalised after the attack, has been charged with 59 crimes. These encompass 15 counts of murder and one count of committing a terrorist act. He is expected to appear in court in April.
Travel Information
In the aftermath following the attack, immigration authorities in the Philippines indicated that the older suspect had arrived in the country using an Indian passport, while his younger suspect used an domestic passport.
The duo had declared the southern city of Davao as their final destination. Their scheduled journey back to Australia was for Sydney.
Davao is a sprawling city on the eastern side of Mindanao, the Philippines' largest southern island. Historically, Islamist militants have reportedly operate in poorer parts of southern and western Mindanao.
