Suspected Bondi Beach Attackers Acted Solo and Did Not Undergo Training in the Southeast Asian Nation, Investigators State.
The two suspected attackers responsible for the fatal attack at a Jewish celebration on Bondi Beach, which claimed 15 lives, are believed to have acted alone, per Australian authorities.
Investigators also confirmed that Sajid Akram, 50, and his son Naveed Akram, 24, journeyed to the Philippines on 1 November. Their travel plans included arriving in the main city Manila before connecting on the day of arrival to Davao City. The duo returned to Sydney on 29 November.
Lack of Proof of Preparation During Trip
Police have stated the individuals did not undergo any type of attack-related instruction or "planning" during their stay in the Philippines. Early findings from Philippine authorities point to they "hardly ventured out of" their accommodation.
The attack—labeled as Australia's worst mass shooting since 1996—has been officially classified as a act of terrorism.
"Our teams are actively analyzing the material," she stated, explaining that early evaluations suggest that "the two men are suspected to have acted alone."
Australian Federal Police Chief Krissy Barrett briefed reporters on Tuesday that CCTV footage documenting the alleged gunmen's movements in the Philippines had been provided to domestic authorities.
"There is no evidence to suggest these alleged offenders were part of a larger network, or were directed by overseas entities to perpetrate an incident," the police chief stated.
However, the duo were also not necessarily in the Philippines as tourists, she noted. She underscored that, as the investigation is continuing, additional details may emerge.
Inspiration and Court Charges
In prior statements, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said it appears both alleged gunmen were "inspired by Islamic State" ideology.
During the shooting, Sajid Akram was killed by responding officers. He and his son Naveed—equipped with firearms—allegedly shot attendees at the Hanukkah event.
Naveed Akram, who was wounded after the shooting, has been formally accused of 59 offences. These include 15 charges of murder and one count of perpetrating a terrorist act. He is scheduled to appear in court in April.
Travel Particulars
In the days following the shooting, border officials in the Philippines stated that the father had arrived in the country using an Indian 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 expansive metropolis on the east of Mindanao, the Philippines' primary island in the south. The region is known because, Islamist militants have been known to operate in poorer parts of southern and western Mindanao.
