Alleged Bondi Beach Shooters Acted Solo and Did Not Undergo Training in the Philippines, Authorities Say.
The two suspected individuals responsible for the lethal attack at a Jewish event on Bondi Beach, which claimed 15 lives, appear to have been lone actors, per national police.
Authorities further stated that the 50-year-old Sajid Akram, and his son Naveed Akram, 24, journeyed to the Philippines on 1 November. Their itinerary involved arriving in the main city Manila before connecting on the day of arrival to Davao City. The duo returned to Sydney on 29 November.
Lack of Proof of Planning During Stay
Investigators indicate the pair did not receive any form of terrorist training or "organizing" during their visit in the Philippines. Early inquiries from local authorities indicate they "rarely left" their accommodation.
The shooting—described as Australia's deadliest firearm massacre since 1996—has been officially classified as a terrorist incident.
"Our teams are currently reviewing the footage," she stated, explaining that preliminary evaluations suggest that "the two men are alleged to have operated independently."
Australian Federal Police Commissioner Krissy Barrett briefed the press on Tuesday that security camera video showing the accused attackers' activities in the Philippines had been provided to domestic investigators.
"There is little to no indication to suggest these suspects were part of a larger terrorist cell, or were directed by overseas entities to execute an attack," the police chief emphasized.
Yet, the pair were likewise not necessarily in the Philippines as tourists, the official clarified. She underscored that, given that the probe is ongoing, fresh information could come to light.
Motivation and Legal Proceedings
In prior statements, the nation's Prime Minister Anthony Albanese commented it looks as though both accused attackers were "influenced by Islamic State" extremist views.
During the shooting, Sajid Akram was shot dead by police. He and his son Naveed—both armed with rifles—allegedly opened fire on participants at the Jewish festival event.
Naveed Akram, who was wounded after the shooting, has been formally accused of 59 offences. These include 15 charges of murder and one count of committing a act of terrorism. He is expected to appear in court in April.
Travel Details
In the wake following the shooting, immigration authorities in the Philippines reported that the father had arrived in the country using an Indian passport, while his son used an domestic passport.
The two had declared the metropolis of Davao as their final destination. Their scheduled return flight to Australia was for Sydney.
Davao is a sprawling urban center on the eastern side of Mindanao, the Philippines' largest island in the south. The region is known because, Militant militants have been known to be active in impoverished parts of central and south-western Mindanao.
