Alleged Bondi Shooters Acted Solo and Did Not Instruction in the Philippines, Police Say.
The two suspected individuals who carried out the lethal attack at a Hanukkah event on Bondi Beach, which claimed 15 lives, reportedly operated independently, according to national police.
Police also confirmed that Sajid Akram, 50, and his 24-year-old son Naveed Akram, 24, journeyed to the Philippines on 1 November. Their travel plans included arriving in the capital Manila before transiting on the day of arrival to Davao City. The father and son returned to Sydney on 29 November.
No Evidence of Planning During Trip
Police indicate the duo did not receive any type of attack-related training or "logistical preparation" during their time in the Philippines. Early findings from local authorities suggest they "rarely left" their hotel.
The incident—declared Australia's worst mass shooting since 1996—has been formally declared a act of terrorism.
"We are currently examining the footage," she stated, noting that preliminary evaluations suggest that "the two men are suspected to have acted alone."
National law enforcement Commissioner Krissy Barrett informed reporters on Tuesday that surveillance material showing the accused attackers' movements in the Philippines had been provided to Australian investigators.
"Our investigation shows little to no indication to suggest these alleged offenders were affiliated with a larger network, or were instructed by overseas entities to carry out an attack," she emphasized.
However, the men were likewise not necessarily in the Philippines for tourism, she noted. She underscored that, since the inquiry is ongoing, additional details may come to light.
Ideology and Legal Proceedings
Earlier, the nation's Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said it seems both alleged attackers were "inspired by ISIS" ideology.
During the attack, Sajid Akram was shot dead by responding officers. He and his son Naveed—reportedly carrying rifles—are accused of having opened fire on guests at the Hanukkah celebration.
Naveed Akram, who was hospitalised after the attack, has been formally accused of 59 charges. These include 15 charges of murder and one count of perpetrating a act of terrorism. He is scheduled to face court in April.
Immigration Details
In the days following the shooting, border authorities in the Philippines stated that the older suspect had entered the country using an Indian passport, while his son used an Australian passport.
The two had listed the southern city of Davao as their intended endpoint. Their pre-arranged return flight to Australia was for Sydney.
Davao is a expansive urban center on the eastern side of Mindanao, the Philippines' largest island in the south. Historically, Islamist groups have reportedly be active in poorer parts of central and south-western Mindanao.
