Latest Findings on Bondi Attack Suspects
The Australian Federal Police have determined that the accused shooters from the Bondi attack did not undergo any training or interact with a wider terror network during their recent trip to the Philippines. Initial reports suggest that the father-son duo acted independently.
This police assessment aligns with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s dismissal of proposals for a federal royal commission into the Bondi massacre and the rising antisemitism in Australia. This rejection comes despite increasing pressure from the families of the victims, Jewish community representatives, and opposition parties.
On Tuesday, Australian Federal Police Commissioner Krissy Barrett noted that alleged attackers Sajid and Naveed Akram had spent almost a month in the Philippines, mere weeks before the antisemitic shooting during a Hanukah event in Bondi on December 14, which resulted in 15 fatalities.
Although Barrett stated that the investigation is ongoing and comprehensive details are not yet available, she mentioned that while the attack appeared to be influenced by Islamic State, there was no evidence to indicate that the gunmen were operating under any organized network.
The initial evaluation from the Philippine national police suggested that the suspects mostly remained at their hotel, and no indications of training or preparation for their planned attack were found, Barrett relayed during a press conference. She clarified, however, that she was not implying their visit was purely for leisure purposes.
Further evidence, including CCTV footage of their stay in the Philippines, has been submitted to the AFP. Barrett emphasized that current assessments suggest the individuals acted alone, with no evidence linking them to a broader terrorist organization or outside directives.
During the press conference, Prime Minister Albanese expressed gratitude to Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. for assistive measures related to the investigation. While the federal government remains committed to supporting the New South Wales government in responding to the attack and the proposed royal commission, Albanese maintained that a federal inquiry is unnecessary. He emphasized that expert recommendations favor alternative approaches to address the issues at hand.
