Alleged Bondi Beach Gunmen Acted Alone and Did Not Undergo Instruction in the Philippines, Police Say.
The pair of accused gunmen responsible for the fatal incident at a Jewish celebration on Bondi Beach, which claimed 15 lives, reportedly acted alone, per Australian police.
Police further stated that Sajid Akram, 50, and his son Naveed Akram, 24, flew to the Philippines on 1 November. Their travel plans included arriving in the capital Manila before traveling onward that same day to Davao City. The duo flew back to Sydney on 29 November.
Lack of Proof of Preparation During Stay
Investigators have stated the pair did not partake in any form of terrorist coaching or "logistical preparation" during their time in the Philippines. Initial findings from Philippine authorities suggest they "mostly stayed in" their accommodation.
The attack—labeled as Australia's deadliest firearm massacre since 1996—has been officially designated a act of terrorism.
"Our teams are currently reviewing the footage," the commissioner stated, noting that initial assessments indicate that "the two men are believed to have acted alone."
National law enforcement Commissioner Krissy Barrett told reporters on Tuesday that security camera video tracking the alleged gunmen's activities in the Philippines had been submitted to Australian investigators.
"Our investigation shows no evidence to support the idea these suspects were affiliated with a broader network, or were acting on orders from others to carry out an attack," Commissioner Barrett emphasized.
However, the men were additionally not necessarily in the Philippines for tourism, she noted. She emphasized that, since the inquiry is continuing, new evidence could emerge.
Motivation and Legal Charges
Earlier, the nation's Prime Minister Anthony Albanese remarked it appears both alleged attackers were "motivated by Islamic State" beliefs.
During the incident, Sajid Akram was shot dead by responding officers. He and his son Naveed—reportedly carrying rifles—are accused of having opened fire on attendees at the Jewish festival celebration.
Naveed Akram, who was wounded after the attack, has been charged with 59 crimes. These comprise 15 counts of murder and one count of carrying out a act of terrorism. He is expected to face court in April.
Immigration Details
In the wake following the attack, border officials in the Philippines indicated that the father had arrived in the country using an Indian passport, while his younger suspect used an Australian passport.
The pair had stated the southern city of Davao as their final destination. Their pre-arranged journey back to Australia was for Sydney.
Davao is a expansive urban center on the east of Mindanao, the Philippines' primary island in the south. Historically, Militant fighters have reportedly operate in impoverished parts of central and south-western Mindanao.
