In brief
The alleged gunmen responsible for the tragic shooting at a Jewish event in Bondi Beach acted independently, as confirmed by Australian police. Despite their recent travel to the Philippines, authorities found no evidence of training or planning associated with a broader terrorist organization. The incident marks Australia's most severe mass shooting since 1996, with one suspect deceased and the other facing multiple charges.
The two alleged gunmen who killed 15 people at a Jewish event on Bondi Beach were not part of a wider terror cell and acted alone, Australian police have said.
Police also confirmed Sajid Akram, 50, and his son Naveed Akram, 24, travelled to the Philippines on 1 November, landing in the capital Manila before transiting that day to Davao City. They returned to Sydney on 29 November.
The pair did not undergo training or 'logistical preparation' in the Philippines for the 14 December attack, with early investigations from local authorities suggesting they 'rarely left their hotel,' police reported.
Police have declared the attack - Australia's worst mass shooting since 1996 - a terrorist incident.
Australian Federal Police Commissioner Krissy Barrett told media on Tuesday that CCTV footage tracking the alleged gunmen's movements in the Philippines had been handed to Australian authorities.
We are currently reviewing the material, she said, adding that initial assessments show that these individuals are alleged to have acted alone.
There is no evidence to suggest these alleged offenders were part of a broader terrorist cell or were directed by others to carry out an attack, she emphasized.
However, Barrett noted that the pair were not in the Philippines for tourism.
Earlier, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese mentioned that it appears both alleged gunmen were motivated by Islamic State ideology.
Sajid Akram was shot dead by police during the attack, where he and his son Naveed - both armed with long-barrelled guns - allegedly shot attendees at a Hanukkah event on Bondi Beach.
Naveed, who was hospitalized after the incident, has been charged with 59 offenses, including 15 counts of murder and one of committing a terrorist act, and is scheduled to face court in April.
Following the shooting, the Philippines immigration bureau confirmed that the father had entered the country using an Indian passport, while his son utilized an Australian passport. Immigration spokesperson Dana Sandoval stated that the duo had declared Davao as their final destination and their return flight to Australia was to Sydney.
Davao is known for its significant presence of Islamist militants, particularly in impoverished regions, which has raised further concerns.
Additional reporting by Virma Simonette.
