Alleged Bondi Gunmen Acted Alone and Did Not Training in the Philippines, Investigators Say.
The two suspected attackers responsible for the fatal shooting at a Hanukkah celebration on Bondi Beach, that took 15 lives, are believed to have been lone actors, according to Australian law enforcement.
Police also confirmed that the 50-year-old Sajid Akram, and his son Naveed Akram travelled to the Philippines on 1 November. Their itinerary involved arriving in the capital Manila before transiting on the day of arrival to Davao City. The duo returned to Sydney on 29 November.
Lack of Proof of Planning During Stay
Authorities indicate the individuals did not receive any type of terrorist instruction or "organizing" during their time in the Philippines. Initial inquiries from local officials indicate they "rarely left" their hotel.
The attack—labeled as Australia's deadliest firearm massacre since 1996—has been officially designated a terrorist incident.
"We are currently analyzing the material," the commissioner said, adding that initial reviews indicate that "the alleged offenders are alleged to have been lone actors."
Australian Federal Police Commissioner Krissy Barrett briefed the press on Tuesday that surveillance material documenting the alleged gunmen's activities in the Philippines had been submitted to Australian investigators.
"Our investigation shows little to no indication to suggest these accused individuals were part of a wider organization, or were instructed by others to perpetrate an act of violence," the police chief stated.
However, the pair were additionally not necessarily in the Philippines for tourism, she added. She underscored that, given that the probe is continuing, additional details could surface.
Inspiration and Legal Proceedings
In prior statements, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese commented it seems both alleged attackers were "influenced by ISIS" ideology.
During the shooting, Sajid Akram was fatally shot by police. He and his son Naveed—both armed with long-barrelled guns—allegedly opened fire on guests at the Jewish festival celebration.
Naveed Akram, who was injured and taken to hospital after the attack, has been charged with 59 offences. These comprise 15 counts of murder and one count of committing a terrorist act. He is due to face court in April.
Immigration Details
In the days following the attack, immigration officials in the Philippines stated that the father had entered the country using an Indian passport, while his younger suspect used an domestic passport.
The pair had declared the metropolis of Davao as their intended endpoint. Their booked journey back to Australia was for Sydney.
Davao is a large city on the east of Mindanao, the Philippines' primary island in the south. Historically, Militant fighters have been known to be active in poorer parts of central and south-western Mindanao.
