Alleged Bondi Attackers Operated Solo and Received No Training in the Southeast Asian Nation, Investigators Confirm.
The pair of accused gunmen who carried out the fatal attack at a Jewish celebration on Bondi Beach, resulting in 15 lives, appear to have operated independently, per national law enforcement.
Authorities additionally revealed that Sajid Akram, 50, and his 24-year-old son Naveed Akram, 24, travelled to the Philippines on 1 November. Their travel plans included arriving in the main city Manila before transiting on the day of arrival to Davao City. The father and son flew back to Sydney on 29 November.
Lack of Proof of Training During Trip
Investigators indicate the individuals did not partake in any type of terrorist coaching or "planning" during their stay in the Philippines. Initial inquiries from Philippine officials indicate they "mostly stayed in" their hotel.
The incident—labeled as Australia's deadliest mass shooting since 1996—has been formally classified as a terrorist incident.
"We are actively reviewing the material," the commissioner stated, explaining that early reviews suggest that "the alleged offenders are alleged to have operated independently."
National law enforcement Chief Krissy Barrett informed reporters on Tuesday that CCTV footage tracking the alleged gunmen's movements in the Philippines had been provided to domestic investigators.
"There is no evidence to support the idea these suspects were affiliated with a larger terrorist cell, or were instructed by external parties to carry out an act of violence," Commissioner Barrett emphasized.
Yet, the men were also not necessarily in the Philippines for tourism, Commissioner Barrett added. She emphasized that, since the probe is still active, new evidence might surface.
Motivation and Legal Charges
Earlier, Australian leader Anthony Albanese commented it appears both accused gunmen were "motivated by ISIS" ideology.
During the incident, Sajid Akram was fatally shot by responding officers. He and his son Naveed—reportedly carrying firearms—allegedly opened fire on guests at the Hanukkah event.
Naveed Akram, who was hospitalised after the shooting, has been charged with 59 crimes. These encompass 15 charges of murder and one count of carrying out a terrorist act. He is expected to appear in court in April.
Travel Information
In the wake following the attack, border officials in the Philippines indicated that the father had arrived in the country using an Indian passport, while his son used an Australian passport.
The two had stated the metropolis of Davao as their intended endpoint. Their booked return flight to Australia was for Sydney.
Davao is a expansive metropolis on the eastern side of Mindanao, the Philippines' primary island in the south. Historically, Militant groups have been known to operate in poorer parts of southern and western Mindanao.
