Accused Bondi Beach Attackers Acted Solo and Received No Instruction in the Philippines, Police Say.
The two suspected individuals responsible for the lethal attack at a Jewish celebration on Bondi Beach, that took 15 lives, are believed to have been lone actors, as stated by national police.
Investigators further stated that the 50-year-old Sajid Akram, and his 24-year-old son Naveed Akram, 24, travelled to the Philippines on 1 November. Their travel plans involved landing in the main city Manila before transiting on the day of arrival to Davao City. The pair flew back to Sydney on 29 November.
Lack of Proof of Planning During Visit
Police have stated the pair did not receive any type of attack-related instruction or "logistical preparation" during their visit in the Philippines. Initial inquiries from Philippine officials suggest they "rarely left" their hotel.
The attack—declared Australia's most severe firearm massacre since 1996—has been officially declared a act of terrorism.
"Our teams are actively reviewing the material," she said, noting that preliminary reviews show that "these individuals are believed to have been lone actors."
Australian Federal Police Chief Krissy Barrett told reporters on Tuesday that CCTV footage showing the alleged gunmen's activities in the Philippines had been provided to domestic authorities.
"Our investigation shows little to no indication to suggest these accused individuals were affiliated with a larger terrorist cell, or were directed by overseas entities to carry out an incident," the police chief stated.
But, the duo were likewise not in the Philippines for tourism, Commissioner Barrett added. She underscored that, as the inquiry is continuing, additional details might come to light.
Motivation and Legal Charges
Previously, Australian leader Anthony Albanese remarked it seems both alleged gunmen were "motivated by the so-called Islamic State" extremist views.
During the attack, Sajid Akram was shot dead by police. He and his son Naveed—both armed with rifles—allegedly opened fire on participants at the Jewish festival celebration.
Naveed Akram, who was hospitalised after the attack, has been charged with 59 charges. These include 15 counts of murder and one count of carrying out a act of terrorism. He is scheduled to face court in April.
Travel Details
In the days following the shooting, border officials in the Philippines stated that the older suspect had entered the country using an Indian passport, while his son used an Australian passport.
The pair had stated the southern city of Davao as their final destination. Their scheduled journey back to Australia was for Sydney.
Davao is a large city on the eastern side of Mindanao, the Philippines' largest southern island. It is noted that, Militant fighters have reportedly operate in impoverished parts of southern and western Mindanao.
