Alleged Bondi Beach Attackers Acted Alone and Did Not Undergo Instruction in the Philippines, Police Confirm.
The pair of accused attackers who carried out the lethal shooting at a Jewish celebration on Bondi Beach, resulting in 15 lives, are believed to have been lone actors, per national police.
Investigators also confirmed that the 50-year-old Sajid Akram, and his son Naveed Akram, 24, travelled to the Philippines on 1 November. Their travel plans involved landing in the capital Manila before transiting on the day of arrival to Davao City. The father and son returned to Sydney on 29 November.
Lack of Proof of Preparation During Stay
Investigators assert the duo did not undergo any form of attack-related instruction or "organizing" during their visit in the Philippines. Early investigations from local officials point to they "mostly stayed in" their accommodation.
The attack—declared Australia's worst firearm massacre since 1996—has been formally designated a terrorist incident.
"We are actively examining the footage," she stated, adding that early reviews suggest that "these individuals are alleged to have operated independently."
Australian Federal Police Commissioner Krissy Barrett briefed the press on Tuesday that surveillance material documenting the alleged gunmen's movements in the Philippines had been provided to domestic investigators.
"There is no evidence to support the idea these accused individuals were part of a wider terrorist cell, or were instructed by others to perpetrate an incident," she said.
Yet, the men were also not in the Philippines on a leisure trip, she added. She emphasized that, since the inquiry is ongoing, fresh information might surface.
Ideology and Legal Charges
Earlier, the nation's leader Anthony Albanese commented it appears both alleged gunmen were "motivated by Islamic State" ideology.
During the incident, Sajid Akram was fatally shot by police. He and his son Naveed—reportedly carrying firearms—are accused of having opened fire on guests at the Hanukkah event.
Naveed Akram, who was injured and taken to hospital after the attack, has been charged with 59 crimes. These include 15 charges of murder and one count of carrying out a act of terrorism. He is expected to face court in April.
Immigration Details
In the days following the attack, immigration authorities in the Philippines stated that the father had arrived in the country using an foreign passport, while his son used an Australian passport.
The pair had stated the southern city of Davao as their final destination. Their booked return flight to Australia was for Sydney.
Davao is a large urban center on the east of Mindanao, the Philippines' primary southern island. The region is known because, Militant groups have reportedly operate in poorer parts of southern and western Mindanao.
