Police: Bondi Beach Terrorists Acted Alone

Australian police said Tuesday that the terrorists who carried out the antisemitic mass shooting at a Chanukah celebration on Sydney’s Bondi Beach acted alone and were not part of a broader terrorist network.

The announcement followed an investigation that extended to the southern Philippines, where the two suspects had traveled weeks before the attack. Police said the findings show no evidence that the terrorists received training, logistical support, or operational direction from a larger terror cell.

Authorities said the investigation focused in part on whether the attack was connected to organized international terrorism, a concern that intensified after it emerged that the suspects had spent much of November in the southern Philippines. According to police, the terrorists were inspired by the Islamic State jihadist organization. Homemade Islamic State flags were found in their vehicle after the attack. Police emphasized, however, that ideological inspiration does not amount to operational coordination, and no evidence was found linking the terrorists to Islamic State operatives or infrastructure.

The suspects, Sydney residents Sajid Akram, 50, and his 24-year-old son Naveed Akram, traveled to Davao City in the southern Philippines in early November and returned to Australia on November 29. Philippine authorities examined their movements during the visit and determined that the pair rarely left their hotel.

“There is no evidence to suggest they received training or underwent logistical preparation for their alleged attack,” said Krissy Barrett, addressing reporters on Tuesday.

“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,” Barrett said.

At the same time, Barrett clarified that the overseas trip was not viewed as innocent travel. “However, I want to be clear, I am not suggesting that they were there for tourism,” she said, declining to provide further details about the purpose of the visit.

Barrett said the conclusions announced Tuesday reflect an initial assessment and that cooperation with authorities in the Philippines is continuing. She added that some investigative details remain restricted to avoid prejudicing ongoing legal proceedings.

During the Bondi Beach attack, Sajid Akram was shot dead by police. Naveed Akram was wounded in the exchange of gunfire and later spent days in a coma. After regaining consciousness, he was charged with 59 offenses, including 15 counts of murder as well as terror and explosives-related charges. 

In the aftermath of the attack, Sydney police announced that the city will deploy its largest-ever police presence for New Year’s Eve celebrations at Sydney Harbour. More than 2,500 officers are expected to be on duty, with many carrying long firearms, a rare sight on Sydney streets, as authorities move to reassure the public and prevent further attacks.