Accused Bondi Beach Attackers Operated Independently and Did Not Preparation in the Philippines, Investigators Say.
The pair of accused gunmen who carried out the deadly incident at a Jewish celebration on Bondi Beach, resulting in 15 lives, are believed to have operated independently, as stated by Australian authorities.
Authorities additionally revealed that Sajid Akram, 50, and his son Naveed Akram, 24, travelled to the Philippines on 1 November. Their itinerary included arriving in the capital Manila before traveling onward on the day of arrival to Davao City. The duo returned to Sydney on 29 November.
No Evidence of Planning During Trip
Investigators assert the duo did not undergo any type of terrorist instruction or "organizing" during their visit in the Philippines. Early investigations from Philippine officials point to they "hardly ventured out of" their accommodation.
The incident—described as Australia's most severe firearm massacre since 1996—has been formally classified as a act of terrorism.
"Our teams are actively examining the material," the commissioner stated, noting that initial assessments indicate that "the alleged offenders are suspected to have been lone actors."
Australian Federal Police Commissioner Krissy Barrett informed reporters on Tuesday that surveillance material showing the accused attackers' whereabouts in the Philippines had been handed over to domestic investigators.
"There is no evidence to indicate these accused individuals were part of a larger terrorist cell, or were instructed by external parties to perpetrate an incident," Commissioner Barrett stated.
However, the pair were additionally not necessarily in the Philippines as tourists, the official clarified. She stressed that, since the inquiry is ongoing, fresh information might surface.
Inspiration and Legal Charges
In prior statements, the nation's Prime Minister Anthony Albanese commented it seems both alleged gunmen were "inspired by Islamic State" extremist views.
During the incident, Sajid Akram was killed by police. He and his son Naveed—equipped with firearms—allegedly targeted guests at the Hanukkah celebration.
Naveed Akram, who was wounded after the attack, has been charged with 59 crimes. These include 15 charges of murder and one count of perpetrating a act of terrorism. He is expected to appear in court in April.
Immigration Information
In the aftermath following the attack, border authorities in the Philippines stated that the father had arrived in the country using an Indian passport, while his son used an Australian passport.
The pair had listed the metropolis of Davao as their intended endpoint. Their pre-arranged journey back to Australia was for Sydney.
Davao is a large city on the east of Mindanao, the Philippines' primary southern island. It is noted that, Islamist militants have reportedly operate in poorer parts of central and south-western Mindanao.
