Accused Bondi Beach Gunmen Acted Independently and Did Not Undergo Training in the Philippines, Investigators Say.
The pair of accused individuals who carried out the fatal attack at a Jewish celebration on Bondi Beach, which claimed 15 lives, are believed to have operated independently, per Australian police.
Authorities further stated that the 50-year-old Sajid Akram, and his son Naveed Akram travelled to the Philippines on 1 November. Their itinerary involved arriving in the capital Manila before transiting that same day to Davao City. The duo returned to Sydney on 29 November.
No Evidence of Planning During Visit
Investigators have stated the pair did not undergo any form of attack-related coaching or "planning" during their time in the Philippines. Initial findings from local officials suggest they "rarely left" their accommodation.
The shooting—declared Australia's worst firearm massacre since 1996—has been formally classified as a terrorist incident.
"We are actively reviewing the footage," the commissioner stated, noting that early evaluations suggest that "the two men are suspected to have operated independently."
National law enforcement Commissioner Krissy Barrett informed reporters on Tuesday that CCTV footage documenting the accused attackers' activities in the Philippines had been handed over to domestic authorities.
"Our investigation shows no evidence to indicate these accused individuals were affiliated with a broader terrorist cell, or were acting on orders from external parties to carry out an act of violence," Commissioner Barrett said.
However, the pair were likewise not in the Philippines as tourists, she clarified. She underscored that, as the inquiry is ongoing, new evidence may surface.
Motivation and Court Proceedings
Earlier, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese remarked it appears both accused gunmen were "inspired by the so-called Islamic State" ideology.
During the shooting, Sajid Akram was fatally shot by responding officers. He and his son Naveed—equipped with long-barrelled guns—are accused of having opened fire on attendees at the Hanukkah event.
Naveed Akram, who was injured and taken to hospital after the attack, has been formally accused of 59 offences. These comprise 15 charges of murder and one count of perpetrating a act of terrorism. He is scheduled to face court in April.
Immigration Particulars
In the wake following the shooting, border officials in the Philippines indicated that the older suspect had entered the country using an foreign passport, while his son used an Australian passport.
The pair had declared the metropolis of Davao as their final destination. Their pre-arranged return flight to Australia was for Sydney.
Davao is a expansive urban center on the east of Mindanao, the Philippines' largest island in the south. Historically, Militant fighters have been known to operate in impoverished parts of southern and western Mindanao.
