Accused Bondi Attackers Operated Solo and Did Not Instruction in the Philippines, Police Confirm.
The two alleged attackers responsible for the deadly incident at a Jewish event on Bondi Beach, that took 15 lives, are believed to have been lone actors, according to national authorities.
Investigators additionally revealed that the 50-year-old Sajid Akram, and his son Naveed Akram travelled to the Philippines on 1 November. Their itinerary included landing in the capital Manila before transiting on the day of arrival to Davao City. The pair flew back to Sydney on 29 November.
No Evidence of Preparation During Trip
Authorities indicate the duo did not undergo any form of terrorist instruction or "planning" during their time in the Philippines. Preliminary inquiries from Philippine authorities indicate they "rarely left" their hotel.
The incident—described as Australia's worst mass shooting since 1996—has been formally declared a terrorist incident.
"Our teams are actively examining the footage," she stated, explaining that early assessments suggest that "these individuals are believed to have operated independently."
National law enforcement Commissioner Krissy Barrett briefed media on Tuesday that surveillance material tracking the accused attackers' activities in the Philippines had been submitted to domestic investigators.
"There is little to no indication to suggest these alleged offenders were part of a larger terrorist cell, or were directed by external parties to perpetrate an act of violence," Commissioner Barrett emphasized.
Yet, the men were also not in the Philippines on a leisure trip, the official added. She emphasized that, since the inquiry is continuing, additional details may emerge.
Inspiration and Court Charges
In prior statements, Australian leader Anthony Albanese commented it looks as though both alleged attackers were "motivated by the so-called Islamic State" extremist views.
During the attack, Sajid Akram was shot dead by police. He and his son Naveed—reportedly carrying long-barrelled guns—allegedly opened fire on guests at the Hanukkah event.
Naveed Akram, who was hospitalised after the attack, has been formally accused of 59 crimes. These comprise 15 charges of murder and one count of perpetrating a act of terrorism. He is expected to appear in court in April.
Travel Information
In the wake 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 duo had listed the southern city of Davao as their intended endpoint. Their pre-arranged journey back to Australia was for Sydney.
Davao is a sprawling urban center on the eastern side of Mindanao, the Philippines' main southern island. It is noted that, Islamist militants have reportedly operate in poorer parts of central and south-western Mindanao.
