Alleged Bondi Beach Attackers Operated Independently and Did Not Undergo Instruction in the Southeast Asian Nation, Authorities Say.
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, according to national police.
Authorities further stated that Sajid Akram, 50, and his son Naveed Akram, 24, journeyed to the Philippines on 1 November. Their travel plans involved arriving in the main city Manila before connecting that same day to Davao City. The pair returned to Sydney on 29 November.
Lack of Proof of Planning During Trip
Authorities have stated the pair did not undergo any type of attack-related instruction or "logistical preparation" during their time in the Philippines. Early findings from local authorities point to they "mostly stayed in" their hotel.
The incident—declared Australia's worst firearm massacre since 1996—has been formally classified as a act of terrorism.
"Our teams are actively analyzing the footage," she said, adding that initial assessments show that "the two men are suspected to have operated independently."
Australian Federal Police Commissioner Krissy Barrett informed reporters on Tuesday that CCTV footage showing the alleged gunmen's whereabouts in the Philippines had been submitted to Australian investigators.
"There is little to no indication to support the idea these suspects were members of a broader organization, or were directed by external parties to perpetrate an incident," the police chief emphasized.
However, the pair were also not in the Philippines on a leisure trip, she added. She underscored that, as the investigation is continuing, fresh information might surface.
Inspiration and Court Charges
In prior statements, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese remarked it seems both alleged attackers were "influenced by ISIS" extremist views.
During the attack, Sajid Akram was killed by responding officers. He and his son Naveed—reportedly carrying long-barrelled guns—are accused of having opened fire on participants at the Jewish festival celebration.
Naveed Akram, who was injured and taken to hospital after the attack, has been formally accused of 59 offences. These include 15 charges of murder and one count of committing a terrorist act. He is scheduled to face court in April.
Immigration Particulars
In the wake following the shooting, immigration authorities in the Philippines reported that the older suspect had arrived in the country using an foreign passport, while his son used an Australian passport.
The duo had declared the southern city of Davao as their intended endpoint. Their pre-arranged return flight to Australia was for Sydney.
Davao is a large metropolis on the eastern side of Mindanao, the Philippines' primary island in the south. Historically, Islamist militants have been known to operate in less developed parts of southern and western Mindanao.
