Alleged Bondi Gunmen Acted Alone and Did Not Instruction in the Philippines, Investigators Confirm.
The two alleged individuals who carried out the deadly shooting at a Jewish celebration on Bondi Beach, that took 15 lives, are believed to have operated independently, according to national authorities.
Investigators additionally revealed that Sajid Akram, 50, and his son Naveed Akram journeyed to the Philippines on 1 November. Their travel plans included landing in the capital Manila before traveling onward on the day of arrival to Davao City. The duo flew back to Sydney on 29 November.
No Evidence of Preparation During Trip
Investigators assert the individuals did not partake in any form of attack-related instruction or "logistical preparation" during their visit in the Philippines. Early findings from Philippine officials suggest they "rarely left" their accommodation.
The attack—described as Australia's worst firearm massacre since 1996—has been officially designated a terrorist incident.
"We are currently reviewing the footage," she stated, noting that preliminary evaluations indicate that "the alleged offenders are believed to have operated independently."
National law enforcement Chief Krissy Barrett briefed media on Tuesday that surveillance material tracking the alleged gunmen's whereabouts in the Philippines had been provided to domestic authorities.
"There is no evidence to suggest these accused individuals were affiliated with a larger network, or were directed by others to execute an attack," the police chief said.
Yet, the pair were likewise not in the Philippines as tourists, she noted. She stressed that, since the investigation is continuing, additional details might emerge.
Ideology and Legal Proceedings
In prior statements, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese commented it looks as though both alleged attackers were "motivated by Islamic State" beliefs.
During the incident, Sajid Akram was fatally shot by responding officers. He and his son Naveed—both armed with long-barrelled guns—are accused of having shot guests at the Hanukkah celebration.
Naveed Akram, who was injured and taken to hospital after the shooting, has been formally accused of 59 crimes. These comprise 15 counts of murder and one count of perpetrating a act of terrorism. He is scheduled to appear in court in April.
Travel Details
In the days following the attack, border authorities in the Philippines reported that the older suspect had arrived in the country using an Indian passport, while his younger suspect used an domestic passport.
The duo had listed the southern city of Davao as their final destination. Their pre-arranged journey back to Australia was for Sydney.
Davao is a large metropolis on the eastern side of Mindanao, the Philippines' largest southern island. Historically, Militant groups have been known to be active in less developed parts of central and south-western Mindanao.
