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The alleged Bondi attack shooters did not receive training or come into contact with a broader terror cell while visiting the Philippines, according to current assessments by federal police, with initial investigations indicating the father and son acted alone.
The Australian federal police commissioner, Krissy Barrett, said on Tuesday that Sajid and Naveen Akram had spent nearly a month in the Philippines just weeks before carrying out the antisemitic shooting at a Bondi Hanukah event on 14 December, killing 15 victims.
Barrett said police would not yet provide all details of their assessment as investigations continued, but while she said the AFP alleged the terror attack was inspired by Islamic State, the AFP did not believe the gunmen were directed by any broader network.
The initial assessment from the Philippine national police was that the individuals rarely left their hotel, and there was no evidence to suggest they received training or underwent logistical preparation for their alleged attack, Barrett told a press conference on Tuesday.
However “I am not suggesting that they were there for tourism,” she added.
CCTV footage capturing the pair’s stay in the Philippines has been provided to the AFP.
“What this points to, and I will again advise this is a point in time assessment, is that these individuals are alleged to have acted alone,” Barrett said.
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“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.”
Sajid Akram was shot dead during the attack. His son, Naveed, has been charged with dozens of offences including 15 counts of murder.
Barrett said police had found that the Akrams departed Sydney for the Philippines on 1 November, visiting Davao City and returning to Australia on 29 November – just a fortnight before the 14 December attack. Investigators were still analysing evidence, she said.
More details soon …
