Suspected Bondi Beach Shooters Operated Independently and Did Not Undergo Training in the Southeast Asian Nation, Investigators Confirm.
The pair of accused gunmen responsible for the deadly attack at a Jewish event on Bondi Beach, which claimed 15 lives, appear to have operated independently, according to Australian police.
Police further stated that the 50-year-old Sajid Akram, and his 24-year-old son Naveed Akram travelled to the Philippines on 1 November. Their itinerary included landing in the capital Manila before connecting on the day of arrival to Davao City. The duo flew back to Sydney on 29 November.
Lack of Proof of Preparation During Stay
Police have stated the duo did not receive any form of attack-related coaching or "logistical preparation" during their visit in the Philippines. Preliminary inquiries from Philippine authorities indicate they "hardly ventured out of" their accommodation.
The shooting—labeled as Australia's deadliest firearm massacre since 1996—has been officially declared a act of terrorism.
"Our teams are actively reviewing the footage," she stated, explaining that initial evaluations indicate that "the two men are alleged to have operated independently."
National law enforcement Commissioner Krissy Barrett told reporters on Tuesday that surveillance material documenting the accused attackers' movements in the Philippines had been handed over to domestic investigators.
"There is no evidence to suggest these accused individuals were part of a broader organization, or were instructed by external parties to carry out an attack," the police chief said.
However, the men were also not necessarily in the Philippines for tourism, Commissioner Barrett clarified. She emphasized that, as the investigation is still active, new evidence could emerge.
Ideology and Legal Charges
Previously, Australian leader Anthony Albanese remarked it seems both alleged attackers were "inspired by ISIS" extremist views.
During the incident, Sajid Akram was shot dead by responding officers. He and his son Naveed—both armed with long-barrelled guns—allegedly shot participants at the Hanukkah celebration.
Naveed Akram, who was hospitalised after the shooting, has been formally accused of 59 charges. These encompass 15 counts of murder and one count of committing a act of terrorism. He is scheduled to appear in court in April.
Immigration Details
In the days following the shooting, immigration officials in the Philippines reported that the father had arrived in the country using an Indian passport, while his younger suspect used an Australian passport.
The duo had stated the southern city of Davao as their final destination. Their booked return flight to Australia was for Sydney.
Davao is a expansive city on the eastern side of Mindanao, the Philippines' primary southern island. The region is known because, Militant fighters have reportedly be active in poorer parts of southern and western Mindanao.
