Alleged Bondi Attackers Operated Independently and Received No Preparation in the Southeast Asian Nation, Police State.
The pair of accused individuals who carried out the fatal incident at a Jewish gathering on Bondi Beach, resulting in 15 lives, reportedly been lone actors, per national law enforcement.
Investigators additionally revealed that Sajid Akram, 50, and his son Naveed Akram, 24, journeyed to the Philippines on 1 November. Their itinerary involved landing in the capital Manila before traveling onward on the day of arrival to Davao City. The duo returned to Sydney on 29 November.
No Evidence of Preparation During Visit
Authorities assert the pair did not undergo any form of attack-related training or "logistical preparation" during their stay in the Philippines. Early inquiries from local authorities indicate they "rarely left" their hotel.
The incident—described as Australia's deadliest firearm massacre since 1996—has been officially designated a act of terrorism.
"We are actively examining the evidence," she stated, adding that early evaluations indicate that "the two men are believed to have operated independently."
National law enforcement Chief Krissy Barrett told media on Tuesday that CCTV footage documenting the alleged gunmen's whereabouts in the Philippines had been provided to domestic investigators.
"Our investigation shows no evidence to indicate these accused individuals were members of a wider network, or were directed by overseas entities to perpetrate an act of violence," she said.
However, the men were also not necessarily in the Philippines as tourists, she noted. She underscored that, since the probe is still active, fresh information may surface.
Motivation and Court Charges
Previously, the nation's Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said it seems both accused gunmen were "motivated by ISIS" extremist views.
During the shooting, Sajid Akram was fatally shot by responding officers. He and his son Naveed—reportedly carrying long-barrelled guns—allegedly shot guests at the Jewish festival event.
Naveed Akram, who was injured and taken to hospital after the shooting, has been charged with 59 charges. These comprise 15 counts of murder and one count of carrying out a act of terrorism. He is due to face court in April.
Travel Particulars
In the aftermath following the attack, immigration officials in the Philippines reported that the father had entered the country using an foreign passport, while his younger suspect used an Australian passport.
The pair had listed the metropolis of Davao as their intended endpoint. Their scheduled return flight to Australia was for Sydney.
Davao is a large metropolis on the east of Mindanao, the Philippines' main island in the south. Historically, Islamist fighters have been known to be active in poorer parts of southern and western Mindanao.
