Alleged Bondi Beach Attackers Acted Independently and Did Not Undergo Training in the Philippines, Authorities Confirm.
The two alleged attackers responsible for the deadly shooting at a Hanukkah celebration on Bondi Beach, which claimed 15 lives, appear to have acted alone, according to national authorities.
Authorities further stated that Sajid Akram, 50, and his son Naveed Akram journeyed to the Philippines on 1 November. Their travel plans included landing in the main city Manila before transiting that same day to Davao City. The duo returned to Sydney on 29 November.
No Evidence of Training During Stay
Authorities assert the duo did not partake in any type of attack-related training or "organizing" during their visit in the Philippines. Early investigations from Philippine officials point to they "mostly stayed in" their hotel.
The incident—declared Australia's worst mass shooting since 1996—has been officially classified as a terrorist incident.
"We are currently analyzing the footage," the commissioner stated, explaining that initial evaluations suggest that "the alleged offenders are believed to have acted alone."
National law enforcement Chief Krissy Barrett informed reporters on Tuesday that surveillance material showing the accused attackers' whereabouts in the Philippines had been submitted to Australian authorities.
"Our investigation shows no evidence to indicate these accused individuals were part of a wider network, or were directed by others to carry out an attack," the police chief stated.
Yet, the men were likewise not in the Philippines for tourism, Commissioner Barrett noted. She emphasized that, since the probe is still active, additional details may come to light.
Ideology and Legal Charges
Earlier, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese commented it looks as though both alleged attackers were "inspired by Islamic State" ideology.
During the attack, Sajid Akram was fatally shot by responding officers. He and his son Naveed—equipped with firearms—allegedly shot guests at the Hanukkah event.
Naveed Akram, who was hospitalised after the attack, has been formally accused of 59 crimes. These encompass 15 counts of murder and one count of committing a terrorist act. He is scheduled to face court in April.
Immigration Information
In the aftermath following the attack, immigration officials in the Philippines indicated that the older suspect had arrived in the country using an Indian passport, while his younger suspect used an Australian passport.
The pair had declared the metropolis of Davao as their final destination. Their scheduled return flight to Australia was for Sydney.
Davao is a expansive city on the east of Mindanao, the Philippines' primary island in the south. Historically, Islamist militants have reportedly be active in impoverished parts of central and south-western Mindanao.
