Suspected Bondi Shooters Operated Solo and Did Not Training in the Southeast Asian Nation, Police State.
The two suspected attackers responsible for the fatal incident at a Hanukkah gathering on Bondi Beach, which claimed 15 lives, are believed to have operated independently, per Australian authorities.
Investigators additionally revealed that the 50-year-old Sajid Akram, and his 24-year-old son Naveed Akram, 24, flew to the Philippines on 1 November. Their travel plans involved landing in the capital Manila before connecting that same day to Davao City. The father and son returned to Sydney on 29 November.
No Evidence of Planning During Trip
Investigators indicate the duo did not receive any form of attack-related coaching or "planning" during their visit in the Philippines. Initial inquiries from local authorities indicate they "rarely left" their accommodation.
The shooting—described as Australia's worst firearm massacre since 1996—has been formally declared a terrorist incident.
"Our teams are actively reviewing the footage," she said, adding that initial reviews show that "the two men are believed to have acted alone."
Australian Federal Police Commissioner Krissy Barrett briefed the press on Tuesday that security camera video tracking the alleged gunmen's activities in the Philippines had been provided to domestic investigators.
"There is little to no indication to support the idea these alleged offenders were members of a broader organization, or were instructed by external parties to carry out an act of violence," Commissioner Barrett said.
But, the men were likewise not necessarily in the Philippines for tourism, Commissioner Barrett noted. She underscored that, as the probe is ongoing, new evidence might surface.
Ideology and Court Charges
In prior statements, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said it appears both alleged attackers were "influenced by the so-called Islamic State" beliefs.
During the shooting, Sajid Akram was fatally shot by police. He and his son Naveed—both armed with firearms—allegedly shot attendees at the Hanukkah event.
Naveed Akram, who was injured and taken to hospital after the attack, has been charged with 59 crimes. These comprise 15 counts of murder and one count of perpetrating a act of terrorism. He is scheduled to face court in April.
Travel Details
In the wake following the attack, border authorities in the Philippines indicated that the father had entered the country using an Indian passport, while his younger suspect used an domestic passport.
The duo had stated the southern city of Davao as their final destination. Their pre-arranged return flight to Australia was for Sydney.
Davao is a sprawling urban center on the east of Mindanao, the Philippines' primary island in the south. It is noted that, Islamist fighters have reportedly operate in impoverished parts of southern and western Mindanao.
