Suspected Bondi Gunmen Operated Alone and Did Not Undergo Instruction in the Philippines, Investigators Confirm.
The two alleged gunmen responsible for the fatal incident at a Jewish event on Bondi Beach, that took 15 lives, appear to have acted alone, as stated by national law enforcement.
Investigators additionally revealed that Sajid Akram, 50, and his 24-year-old son Naveed Akram, 24, 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.
Lack of Proof of Preparation During Stay
Investigators have stated the individuals did not receive any form of attack-related training or "logistical preparation" during their visit in the Philippines. Preliminary inquiries from local authorities suggest they "rarely left" their hotel.
The attack—described as Australia's deadliest firearm massacre since 1996—has been formally classified as a terrorist incident.
"Our teams are currently analyzing the footage," she said, explaining that initial assessments show that "these individuals are alleged to have been lone actors."
Australian Federal Police Commissioner Krissy Barrett informed the press on Tuesday that CCTV footage tracking the accused attackers' whereabouts in the Philippines had been submitted to Australian authorities.
"Our investigation shows little to no indication to suggest these accused individuals were affiliated with a larger organization, or were acting on orders from overseas entities to carry out an act of violence," the police chief emphasized.
However, the pair were likewise not in the Philippines as tourists, the official added. She underscored that, given that the inquiry is continuing, fresh information might emerge.
Motivation and Court Charges
In prior statements, the nation's Prime Minister Anthony Albanese commented it seems both alleged attackers were "motivated by Islamic State" ideology.
During the attack, Sajid Akram was killed by police. He and his son Naveed—reportedly carrying firearms—allegedly targeted guests at the Jewish festival event.
Naveed Akram, who was wounded after the attack, has been formally accused of 59 offences. These comprise 15 counts of murder and one count of committing a terrorist act. He is scheduled to appear in court in April.
Travel Details
In the days following the attack, immigration officials in the Philippines stated that the father had arrived in the country using an foreign passport, while his younger suspect used an domestic passport.
The two had declared the metropolis of Davao as their intended endpoint. Their booked return flight to Australia was for Sydney.
Davao is a expansive metropolis on the eastern side of Mindanao, the Philippines' primary southern island. Historically, Islamist groups have reportedly be active in poorer parts of central and south-western Mindanao.
