Suspected Bondi Attackers Operated Alone and Did Not Preparation in the Philippines, Police Confirm.
The two suspected attackers responsible for the fatal attack at a Jewish event on Bondi Beach, that took 15 lives, appear to have been lone actors, as stated by national law enforcement.
Authorities additionally revealed that the 50-year-old Sajid Akram, and his son Naveed Akram, 24, travelled to the Philippines on 1 November. Their travel plans involved arriving in the capital Manila before transiting that same day to Davao City. The father and son flew back to Sydney on 29 November.
No Evidence of Training During Stay
Authorities assert the duo did not undergo any type of terrorist coaching or "organizing" during their visit in the Philippines. Early inquiries from local officials indicate they "rarely left" their hotel.
The attack—labeled as Australia's worst mass shooting since 1996—has been formally designated a act of terrorism.
"Our teams are currently examining the footage," the commissioner stated, explaining that preliminary reviews show that "the alleged offenders are believed to have operated independently."
Australian Federal Police Chief Krissy Barrett informed media on Tuesday that CCTV footage showing the accused attackers' movements in the Philippines had been provided to Australian investigators.
"Our investigation shows little to no indication to indicate these suspects were members of a broader network, or were directed by others to perpetrate an act of violence," the police chief stated.
But, the duo were also not in the Philippines on a leisure trip, the official clarified. She stressed that, given that the investigation is continuing, fresh information may come to light.
Motivation and Court Charges
Earlier, the nation's Prime Minister Anthony Albanese commented it seems both alleged attackers were "influenced by Islamic State" ideology.
During the attack, Sajid Akram was fatally shot by police. He and his son Naveed—both armed with long-barrelled guns—allegedly targeted guests at the Jewish festival event.
Naveed Akram, who was wounded after the shooting, has been formally accused of 59 offences. These comprise 15 charges of murder and one count of perpetrating a terrorist act. He is expected to appear in court in April.
Travel Information
In the aftermath following the shooting, border authorities in the Philippines indicated that the older suspect had arrived in the country using an Indian passport, while his younger suspect used an domestic passport.
The pair had listed the metropolis of Davao as their final destination. Their scheduled return flight to Australia was for Sydney.
Davao is a expansive city on the east of Mindanao, the Philippines' main island in the south. The region is known because, Islamist fighters have reportedly be active in impoverished parts of southern and western Mindanao.
