Suspected Bondi Attackers Operated Solo and Did Not Undergo Training in the Philippines, Investigators Say.
The two alleged individuals who carried out the lethal attack at a Jewish gathering on Bondi Beach, that took 15 lives, appear to have been lone actors, as stated by Australian authorities.
Authorities additionally revealed that the 50-year-old Sajid Akram, and his 24-year-old son Naveed Akram travelled to the Philippines on 1 November. Their travel plans included landing in the capital Manila before traveling onward on the day of arrival to Davao City. The father and son returned to Sydney on 29 November.
Lack of Proof of Training During Trip
Police indicate the individuals did not partake in any form of attack-related coaching or "organizing" during their stay in the Philippines. Initial findings from Philippine officials point to they "hardly ventured out of" their hotel.
The shooting—declared Australia's worst firearm massacre since 1996—has been officially designated a terrorist incident.
"Our teams are currently reviewing the evidence," the commissioner said, explaining that preliminary assessments indicate that "the two men are alleged to have been lone actors."
National law enforcement Commissioner Krissy Barrett briefed reporters on Tuesday that surveillance material showing the alleged gunmen's whereabouts in the Philippines had been handed over to domestic investigators.
"There is little to no indication to support the idea these suspects were part of a broader terrorist cell, or were acting on orders from others to execute an attack," Commissioner Barrett said.
Yet, the men were additionally not necessarily in the Philippines on a leisure trip, Commissioner Barrett clarified. She emphasized that, as the inquiry is ongoing, new evidence could come to light.
Ideology and Legal Proceedings
In prior statements, the nation's Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said it appears both accused attackers were "influenced by the so-called Islamic State" extremist views.
During the attack, Sajid Akram was killed by responding officers. He and his son Naveed—reportedly carrying firearms—are accused of having targeted attendees at the Jewish festival celebration.
Naveed Akram, who was hospitalised after the shooting, has been charged with 59 crimes. These comprise 15 charges of murder and one count of carrying out a terrorist act. He is due to face court in April.
Travel Details
In the wake following the shooting, border 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 two had declared the metropolis of Davao as their final destination. Their scheduled journey back to Australia was for Sydney.
Davao is a large metropolis on the eastern side of Mindanao, the Philippines' primary southern island. The region is known because, Militant militants have been known to be active in impoverished parts of southern and western Mindanao.
