Metro Manila, Philippines – Australian police said two men accused of carrying out a deadly terrorist attack at a Jewish festival in Sydney did not receive training in the country and were not part of a broader overseas network, countering speculation about foreign links.
Australian Federal Police Commissioner Krissy Barrett said early this week that investigators found no evidence that the suspects — Sydney residents Sajid Akram, 50, and his 24-year-old son, Naveed Akram — had weapons training or logistical preparation during a monthlong trip to the Philippines in November.
“There is no evidence to suggest they received training or underwent logistical preparation for their alleged attack,” Barrett told reporters at a Canberra media conference. “At this point in time, these individuals are alleged to have acted alone.”
Police said the pair opened fire near a Hanukkah celebration at Bondi Beach on Dec. 14 that killed 15 people and wounded about 40 others. Authorities said it was a terrorist attack. Sajid was shot dead by police at the scene, while Naveed was wounded during a gunfight, hospitalized for a week, and transferred to prison.
Barrett said travel records showed the men left Sydney for Manila on Nov. 1, traveled the same day to Davao City, and returned to Australia on Nov. 29 – two weeks before the attack.
“The Philippine National Police assessed that the men rarely left their hotel during the trip,” she said. CCTV footage from the Philippines has been provided to Australian investigators and is being reviewed.
“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,” Barrett said, while adding that the motive for the trip remains unclear. “I am not suggesting they were there for tourism.”
Police said the suspects were inspired by the Islamic State group. Parts of the southern Philippines have in the past attracted small numbers of foreign militants aligned with Islamic State or al-Qaida, but Barrett said there is no indication the accused men made contact with such groups.
Barrett cautioned that the findings represent an initial assessment and could change as the investigation proceeds. She said court proceedings on Naveed limit what she can disclose.
Naveed has yet to enter pleas to dozens of charges, including 15 counts of murder and one count of committing a terrorist act.
