Accused Bondi Beach Gunmen Operated Solo and Received No Instruction in the Philippines, Investigators Say.
The pair of accused gunmen responsible for the lethal incident at a Jewish gathering on Bondi Beach, which claimed 15 lives, are believed to have operated independently, according to Australian authorities.
Authorities additionally revealed that Sajid Akram, 50, and his 24-year-old son Naveed Akram, 24, journeyed to the Philippines on 1 November. Their itinerary involved landing in the capital Manila before traveling onward that same day to Davao City. The duo returned to Sydney on 29 November.
No Evidence of Planning During Visit
Authorities assert the duo did not receive any form of terrorist coaching or "logistical preparation" during their time in the Philippines. Early inquiries from local authorities indicate they "rarely left" their accommodation.
The shooting—labeled as Australia's deadliest firearm massacre since 1996—has been formally classified as a act of terrorism.
"Our teams are currently examining the material," the commissioner said, noting that initial reviews indicate that "the alleged offenders are believed to have operated independently."
Australian Federal Police Commissioner Krissy Barrett briefed the press on Tuesday that CCTV footage tracking the alleged gunmen's activities in the Philippines had been submitted to domestic investigators.
"Our investigation shows no evidence to indicate these suspects were affiliated with a broader organization, or were directed by external parties to execute an act of violence," the police chief stated.
But, the men were additionally not necessarily in the Philippines as tourists, the official noted. She underscored that, given that the inquiry is continuing, new evidence could emerge.
Inspiration and Legal Proceedings
Previously, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese commented it seems both accused gunmen were "motivated by the so-called Islamic State" ideology.
During the attack, Sajid Akram was fatally shot by responding officers. He and his son Naveed—reportedly carrying firearms—allegedly shot participants at the Hanukkah event.
Naveed Akram, who was hospitalised after the shooting, has been charged with 59 crimes. These include 15 counts of murder and one count of committing a terrorist act. He is due to face court in April.
Travel Information
In the wake following the attack, border authorities in the Philippines indicated that the older suspect had arrived in the country using an foreign passport, while his son used an domestic passport.
The pair had declared the southern city of Davao as their intended endpoint. 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. It is noted that, Islamist fighters have reportedly operate in poorer parts of central and south-western Mindanao.
