Suspected Bondi Beach Attackers Acted Independently and Did Not Preparation in the Southeast Asian Nation, Police Confirm.
The two alleged gunmen who carried out the lethal attack at a Hanukkah gathering on Bondi Beach, resulting in 15 lives, are believed to have been lone actors, according to national police.
Police further stated that Sajid Akram, 50, and his 24-year-old son Naveed Akram, 24, travelled to the Philippines on 1 November. Their travel plans included landing in the capital Manila before traveling onward that same day to Davao City. The pair returned to Sydney on 29 November.
Lack of Proof of Training During Visit
Police have stated the individuals did not partake in any type of attack-related training or "logistical preparation" during their time in the Philippines. Initial investigations from local officials suggest they "rarely left" their hotel.
The incident—labeled as Australia's most severe firearm massacre since 1996—has been formally designated a terrorist incident.
"We are currently analyzing the material," she stated, noting that preliminary evaluations show that "these individuals are suspected to have been lone actors."
Australian Federal Police Commissioner Krissy Barrett informed reporters on Tuesday that surveillance material documenting the accused attackers' activities in the Philippines had been submitted to Australian investigators.
"Our investigation shows little to no indication to suggest these suspects were affiliated with a larger organization, or were directed by external parties to perpetrate an act of violence," she stated.
Yet, the pair were likewise not necessarily in the Philippines as tourists, the official added. She stressed that, given that the investigation is still active, new evidence could emerge.
Inspiration and Legal Proceedings
In prior statements, the nation's Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said it seems both accused attackers were "influenced by the so-called Islamic State" extremist views.
During the incident, Sajid Akram was shot dead by police. He and his son Naveed—both armed with long-barrelled guns—allegedly targeted participants at the Hanukkah celebration.
Naveed Akram, who was wounded after the attack, has been charged with 59 offences. These encompass 15 charges of murder and one count of perpetrating a terrorist act. He is scheduled to face court in April.
Travel Particulars
In the days following the shooting, immigration authorities in the Philippines indicated that the older suspect had arrived in the country using an foreign passport, while his younger suspect used an Australian passport.
The pair had declared the metropolis of Davao as their intended endpoint. Their pre-arranged return flight to Australia was for Sydney.
Davao is a sprawling metropolis on the east of Mindanao, the Philippines' largest island in the south. Historically, Militant groups have reportedly operate in poorer parts of southern and western Mindanao.
