Suspected Bondi Beach Attackers Acted Alone and Did Not Instruction in the Philippines, Investigators State.
The pair of accused individuals who carried out the deadly attack at a Hanukkah celebration on Bondi Beach, which claimed 15 lives, reportedly operated independently, per Australian authorities.
Authorities further stated that Sajid Akram, 50, and his son Naveed Akram journeyed to the Philippines on 1 November. Their itinerary included arriving in the capital Manila before traveling onward that same day to Davao City. The pair returned to Sydney on 29 November.
Lack of Proof of Preparation During Visit
Investigators indicate the duo did not partake in any type of terrorist instruction or "planning" during their time in the Philippines. Early inquiries from local officials indicate they "hardly ventured out of" their hotel.
The attack—labeled as Australia's most severe firearm massacre since 1996—has been officially declared a terrorist incident.
"We are currently analyzing the material," the commissioner stated, adding that initial assessments show that "the alleged offenders are suspected to have operated independently."
National law enforcement Commissioner Krissy Barrett told the press on Tuesday that security camera video tracking the alleged gunmen's whereabouts in the Philippines had been submitted to domestic investigators.
"There is little to no indication to support the idea these accused individuals were members of a wider network, or were acting on orders from overseas entities to execute an incident," Commissioner Barrett emphasized.
But, the duo were likewise not in the Philippines as tourists, the official clarified. She emphasized that, as the probe is continuing, fresh information may surface.
Inspiration and Legal Charges
Previously, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese commented it seems both alleged attackers were "inspired by ISIS" ideology.
During the shooting, Sajid Akram was shot dead by police. He and his son Naveed—equipped with rifles—are accused of having shot participants at the Jewish festival event.
Naveed Akram, who was injured and taken to hospital after the shooting, has been formally accused of 59 charges. These comprise 15 counts of murder and one count of carrying out a act of terrorism. He is scheduled to appear in court in April.
Travel Particulars
In the aftermath following the shooting, border officials in the Philippines indicated that the father had arrived in the country using an foreign passport, while his younger suspect used an Australian passport.
The two had stated the southern city of Davao as their final destination. Their booked journey back to Australia was for Sydney.
Davao is a large metropolis on the eastern side of Mindanao, the Philippines' main island in the south. The region is known because, Islamist militants have been known to operate in impoverished parts of central and south-western Mindanao.
