Accused Bondi Beach Shooters Acted Solo and Did Not Undergo Preparation in the Philippines, Investigators Confirm.
The two suspected attackers responsible for the deadly incident at a Hanukkah celebration on Bondi Beach, which claimed 15 lives, appear to have operated independently, according to Australian police.
Police further stated that Sajid Akram, 50, and his son Naveed Akram journeyed to the Philippines on 1 November. Their itinerary involved arriving in the capital Manila before traveling onward on the day of arrival to Davao City. The pair flew back to Sydney on 29 November.
No Evidence of Planning During Stay
Authorities indicate the duo did not partake in any type of attack-related coaching or "logistical preparation" during their time in the Philippines. Preliminary investigations from local authorities suggest they "mostly stayed in" their accommodation.
The shooting—labeled as Australia's deadliest firearm massacre since 1996—has been officially classified as a terrorist incident.
"Our teams are actively examining the evidence," she said, noting that preliminary evaluations indicate that "the alleged offenders are believed to have acted alone."
Australian Federal Police Chief Krissy Barrett briefed reporters on Tuesday that CCTV footage documenting the accused attackers' whereabouts in the Philippines had been submitted to domestic investigators.
"Our investigation shows no evidence to suggest these suspects were affiliated with a broader terrorist cell, or were instructed by overseas entities to execute an incident," she stated.
Yet, the men were likewise not necessarily in the Philippines for tourism, she clarified. She stressed that, as the investigation is continuing, additional details may surface.
Motivation and Legal Proceedings
Previously, Australian leader Anthony Albanese remarked it appears both alleged gunmen were "inspired by ISIS" extremist views.
During the incident, Sajid Akram was shot dead by police. He and his son Naveed—both armed with rifles—are accused of having targeted participants at the Hanukkah event.
Naveed Akram, who was injured and taken to hospital after the shooting, has been formally accused of 59 offences. These include 15 counts of murder and one count of carrying out a act of terrorism. He is scheduled to appear in court in April.
Immigration Particulars
In the days following the shooting, immigration officials in the Philippines indicated that the father had entered the country using an Indian passport, while his son used an domestic passport.
The duo had stated the southern city of Davao as their final destination. Their booked journey back to Australia was for Sydney.
Davao is a expansive urban center on the eastern side of Mindanao, the Philippines' largest island in the south. It is noted that, Islamist militants have been known to be active in poorer parts of southern and western Mindanao.
