Suspected Bondi Beach Attackers Operated Alone and Received No Training in the Philippines, Police Say.
The two suspected attackers responsible for the fatal attack at a Hanukkah event on Bondi Beach, resulting in 15 lives, appear to have been lone actors, as stated by national law enforcement.
Police additionally revealed that the 50-year-old Sajid Akram, and his son Naveed Akram, 24, flew to the Philippines on 1 November. Their itinerary involved landing in the capital Manila before connecting that same day to Davao City. The duo returned to Sydney on 29 November.
No Evidence of Planning During Stay
Investigators have stated the pair did not partake in any type of attack-related instruction or "organizing" during their stay in the Philippines. Initial investigations from local officials indicate they "rarely left" their accommodation.
The shooting—labeled as Australia's most severe firearm massacre since 1996—has been officially designated a act of terrorism.
"We are currently reviewing the evidence," she stated, explaining that early reviews indicate that "these individuals are alleged to have acted alone."
National law enforcement Commissioner Krissy Barrett briefed reporters on Tuesday that CCTV footage tracking the accused attackers' activities in the Philippines had been handed over to Australian investigators.
"There is no evidence to indicate these suspects were part of a wider terrorist cell, or were instructed by external parties to carry out an act of violence," the police chief said.
Yet, the men were likewise not necessarily in the Philippines as tourists, she added. She stressed that, as the inquiry is still active, fresh information might surface.
Inspiration and Legal Proceedings
Earlier, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese remarked it looks as though both alleged attackers were "influenced by ISIS" extremist views.
During the attack, Sajid Akram was killed by police. He and his son Naveed—equipped with long-barrelled guns—are accused of having targeted guests at the Jewish festival event.
Naveed Akram, who was wounded after the attack, has been charged with 59 crimes. These encompass 15 charges of murder and one count of carrying out a act of terrorism. He is due to face court in April.
Travel Details
In the aftermath following the shooting, border officials in the Philippines indicated that the older suspect had arrived in the country using an foreign passport, while his son used an domestic passport.
The pair had stated the southern city of Davao as their final destination. Their booked journey back to Australia was for Sydney.
Davao is a large urban center on the east of Mindanao, the Philippines' primary southern island. Historically, Militant militants have been known to be active in impoverished parts of central and south-western Mindanao.
