Alleged Bondi Gunmen Acted Solo and Received No Instruction in the Philippines, Investigators Confirm.
The pair of accused gunmen responsible for the deadly incident at a Jewish celebration on Bondi Beach, which claimed 15 lives, reportedly been lone actors, as stated by Australian police.
Police also confirmed that the 50-year-old Sajid Akram, and his 24-year-old son Naveed Akram, 24, flew to the Philippines on 1 November. Their itinerary involved arriving in the main city Manila before connecting that same day to Davao City. The duo returned to Sydney on 29 November.
No Evidence of Planning During Stay
Investigators indicate the duo did not undergo any form of attack-related instruction or "logistical preparation" during their time in the Philippines. Early inquiries from Philippine authorities indicate they "mostly stayed in" their hotel.
The shooting—declared Australia's most severe firearm massacre since 1996—has been formally declared a terrorist incident.
"Our teams are currently examining the footage," she said, noting that initial assessments show that "the two men are suspected to have operated independently."
Australian Federal Police Commissioner Krissy Barrett informed reporters on Tuesday that security camera video tracking the accused attackers' activities in the Philippines had been submitted to domestic authorities.
"Our investigation shows no evidence to indicate these accused individuals were part of a broader organization, or were directed by overseas entities to execute an attack," Commissioner Barrett emphasized.
But, the pair were also not in the Philippines on a leisure trip, she noted. She emphasized that, given that the probe is ongoing, fresh information could emerge.
Motivation and Court Proceedings
In prior statements, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said it appears both alleged gunmen were "influenced by Islamic State" extremist views.
During the incident, Sajid Akram was fatally shot by responding officers. He and his son Naveed—reportedly carrying firearms—are accused of having targeted guests at the Hanukkah event.
Naveed Akram, who was wounded after the shooting, has been charged with 59 crimes. These comprise 15 charges of murder and one count of committing a terrorist act. He is scheduled to face court in April.
Travel Particulars
In the wake following the attack, immigration authorities in the Philippines indicated that the father had arrived in the country using an foreign passport, while his son used an domestic passport.
The two had stated the southern city of Davao as their final destination. Their booked journey back to Australia was for Sydney.
Davao is a expansive metropolis on the eastern side of Mindanao, the Philippines' largest island in the south. It is noted that, Militant groups have been known to operate in impoverished parts of central and south-western Mindanao.
