Accused Bondi Attackers Acted Alone and Received No Training in the Southeast Asian Nation, Authorities Say.

Police officials speaking at a media conference
National Federal Police state there is lack of proof the alleged Bondi Beach attackers operated as part of a broader network.

The two alleged gunmen who carried out the lethal attack at a Jewish event on Bondi Beach, that took 15 lives, appear to have been lone actors, per national law enforcement.

Authorities additionally revealed that Sajid Akram, 50, and his son Naveed Akram travelled to the Philippines on 1 November. Their itinerary included arriving in the capital Manila before connecting that same day to Davao City. The duo flew back to Sydney on 29 November.

No Evidence of Planning During Stay

Police have stated the duo did not receive any type of terrorist coaching or "logistical preparation" during their time in the Philippines. Initial inquiries from local authorities point to they "hardly ventured out of" their accommodation.

The incident—described as Australia's most severe firearm massacre since 1996—has been officially designated a act of terrorism.

"Our teams are currently examining the evidence," she said, noting that early reviews show that "the alleged offenders are believed to have been lone actors."

Australian Federal Police Chief Krissy Barrett informed the press on Tuesday that surveillance material documenting the alleged gunmen's movements in the Philippines had been provided to Australian authorities.

"There is no evidence to suggest these accused individuals were members of a larger organization, or were acting on orders from overseas entities to perpetrate an act of violence," the police chief emphasized.

But, the men were additionally not in the Philippines as tourists, she noted. She stressed that, given that the inquiry is ongoing, fresh information may emerge.

Inspiration and Legal Proceedings

Previously, the nation's leader Anthony Albanese remarked it appears both alleged attackers were "influenced by ISIS" ideology.

During the incident, Sajid Akram was fatally shot by police. He and his son Naveed—both armed with firearms—allegedly shot participants at the Jewish festival event.

Naveed Akram, who was hospitalised after the shooting, has been charged with 59 charges. These comprise 15 counts of murder and one count of carrying out a terrorist act. He is due to appear in court in April.

Travel Information

In the aftermath following the shooting, immigration officials in the Philippines indicated that the older suspect had arrived in the country using an foreign passport, while his son used an Australian passport.

The pair had declared the southern city of Davao as their final destination. Their pre-arranged journey back to Australia was for Sydney.

Davao is a sprawling urban center on the eastern side of Mindanao, the Philippines' largest island in the south. Historically, Militant groups have been known to operate in poorer parts of southern and western Mindanao.

Derrick Graham
Derrick Graham

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