Alleged Bondi Attackers Operated Independently and Did Not Undergo Training in the Southeast Asian Nation, Police Say.
The two alleged gunmen responsible for the deadly attack at a Jewish gathering on Bondi Beach, resulting in 15 lives, appear to have operated independently, as stated by national law enforcement.
Police also confirmed that Sajid Akram, 50, and his 24-year-old son Naveed Akram flew to the Philippines on 1 November. Their itinerary involved arriving in the capital Manila before transiting that same day to Davao City. The pair flew back to Sydney on 29 November.
No Evidence of Preparation During Trip
Authorities have stated the duo did not receive any type of attack-related instruction or "planning" during their time in the Philippines. Preliminary inquiries from Philippine officials indicate they "mostly stayed in" their accommodation.
The incident—labeled as Australia's worst firearm massacre since 1996—has been formally classified as a act of terrorism.
"Our teams are currently analyzing the evidence," she stated, noting that preliminary evaluations indicate that "the two men are suspected to have operated independently."
Australian Federal Police Chief Krissy Barrett told media on Tuesday that surveillance material tracking the alleged gunmen's movements in the Philippines had been provided to domestic authorities.
"Our investigation shows little to no indication to suggest these alleged offenders were affiliated with a broader organization, or were instructed by overseas entities to execute an attack," Commissioner Barrett said.
However, the duo were also not in the Philippines on a leisure trip, the official noted. She underscored that, given that the probe is ongoing, new evidence may emerge.
Inspiration and Court Proceedings
Previously, Australian leader Anthony Albanese commented it looks as though both accused attackers were "inspired by Islamic State" ideology.
During the shooting, Sajid Akram was shot dead by responding officers. He and his son Naveed—reportedly carrying firearms—allegedly opened fire on participants at the Jewish festival event.
Naveed Akram, who was wounded after the shooting, has been formally accused of 59 offences. These include 15 charges of murder and one count of committing a act of terrorism. He is scheduled to appear in court in April.
Travel Information
In the aftermath following the attack, immigration authorities in the Philippines reported that the older suspect had arrived in the country using an Indian passport, while his younger suspect used an Australian passport.
The duo had listed the southern city of Davao as their final destination. Their pre-arranged journey back to Australia was for Sydney.
Davao is a large metropolis on the eastern side of Mindanao, the Philippines' largest southern island. Historically, Islamist groups have reportedly be active in impoverished parts of central and south-western Mindanao.
