🔗 Share this article Accused Bondi Beach Gunmen Operated Alone and Received No Preparation in the Philippines, Investigators Confirm. Australian Federal Police say there is no evidence the alleged Bondi Beach attackers acted as members of a wider terror cell. The pair of accused individuals responsible for the fatal incident at a Jewish event on Bondi Beach, that took 15 lives, appear to have acted alone, per national authorities. Police further stated that the 50-year-old Sajid Akram, and his son Naveed Akram travelled to the Philippines on 1 November. Their travel plans included landing in the capital Manila before traveling onward on the day of arrival to Davao City. The father and son returned to Sydney on 29 November. Lack of Proof of Training During Trip Investigators indicate the duo did not receive any type of attack-related coaching or "logistical preparation" during their visit in the Philippines. Early inquiries from local officials indicate they "hardly ventured out of" their hotel. The shooting—described as Australia's deadliest mass shooting since 1996—has been officially declared a act of terrorism. "We are currently analyzing the material," the commissioner stated, noting that preliminary assessments suggest that "the two men are suspected to have been lone actors." National law enforcement Chief Krissy Barrett informed the press on Tuesday that surveillance material showing the alleged gunmen's movements in the Philippines had been submitted to Australian investigators. "Our investigation shows little to no indication to suggest these alleged offenders were members of a larger organization, or were instructed by external parties to carry out an attack," she stated. Yet, the men were likewise not necessarily in the Philippines for tourism, the official added. She underscored that, given that the investigation is still active, additional details may surface. Motivation and Legal Proceedings In prior statements, the nation's leader Anthony Albanese said it seems both alleged gunmen were "motivated by Islamic State" beliefs. During the attack, Sajid Akram was killed by responding officers. He and his son Naveed—both armed with rifles—are accused of having shot attendees at the Jewish festival celebration. Naveed Akram, who was injured and taken to hospital after the shooting, has been formally accused of 59 crimes. These comprise 15 charges of murder and one count of carrying out a act of terrorism. He is scheduled to face court in April. Travel Particulars In the days following the shooting, border authorities in the Philippines stated that the older suspect had arrived in the country using an foreign passport, while his younger suspect used an Australian passport. The duo had listed the southern city of Davao as their final destination. Their pre-arranged journey back to Australia was for Sydney. Davao is a large metropolis on the east of Mindanao, the Philippines' primary southern island. Historically, Islamist fighters have reportedly operate in impoverished parts of southern and western Mindanao.
Australian Federal Police say there is no evidence the alleged Bondi Beach attackers acted as members of a wider terror cell. The pair of accused individuals responsible for the fatal incident at a Jewish event on Bondi Beach, that took 15 lives, appear to have acted alone, per national authorities. Police further stated that the 50-year-old Sajid Akram, and his son Naveed Akram travelled to the Philippines on 1 November. Their travel plans included landing in the capital Manila before traveling onward on the day of arrival to Davao City. The father and son returned to Sydney on 29 November. Lack of Proof of Training During Trip Investigators indicate the duo did not receive any type of attack-related coaching or "logistical preparation" during their visit in the Philippines. Early inquiries from local officials indicate they "hardly ventured out of" their hotel. The shooting—described as Australia's deadliest mass shooting since 1996—has been officially declared a act of terrorism. "We are currently analyzing the material," the commissioner stated, noting that preliminary assessments suggest that "the two men are suspected to have been lone actors." National law enforcement Chief Krissy Barrett informed the press on Tuesday that surveillance material showing the alleged gunmen's movements in the Philippines had been submitted to Australian investigators. "Our investigation shows little to no indication to suggest these alleged offenders were members of a larger organization, or were instructed by external parties to carry out an attack," she stated. Yet, the men were likewise not necessarily in the Philippines for tourism, the official added. She underscored that, given that the investigation is still active, additional details may surface. Motivation and Legal Proceedings In prior statements, the nation's leader Anthony Albanese said it seems both alleged gunmen were "motivated by Islamic State" beliefs. During the attack, Sajid Akram was killed by responding officers. He and his son Naveed—both armed with rifles—are accused of having shot attendees at the Jewish festival celebration. Naveed Akram, who was injured and taken to hospital after the shooting, has been formally accused of 59 crimes. These comprise 15 charges of murder and one count of carrying out a act of terrorism. He is scheduled to face court in April. Travel Particulars In the days following the shooting, border authorities in the Philippines stated that the older suspect had arrived in the country using an foreign passport, while his younger suspect used an Australian passport. The duo had listed the southern city of Davao as their final destination. Their pre-arranged journey back to Australia was for Sydney. Davao is a large metropolis on the east of Mindanao, the Philippines' primary southern island. Historically, Islamist fighters have reportedly operate in impoverished parts of southern and western Mindanao.