MELBOURNE, Australia (AP) — An investigation into two men accused of a mass shooting that claimed 15 lives at a Sydney Jewish festival has revealed no evidence of their involvement with a broader terrorist organization, police officials announced on Tuesday. The suspects, identified as 50-year-old Sajid Akram and his 24-year-old son, Naveed Akram, reportedly spent most of November in Davao City, located in the southern Philippines. They returned to Australia on November 29, just two weeks before the tragic incident.
The mass shooting occurred during a Hannukah festival at Bondi Beach, where 15 people were killed and at least 40 others were injured. Australian Federal Police Commissioner Krissy Barrett stated that Philippine authorities investigated the Akram duo’s stay in the country and found they rarely left their hotel. She stated, “There is no evidence to suggest they received training or underwent logistical preparation for their alleged attack.” Instead, Barrett emphasized that the Akrams are believed to have acted independently without assistance from a larger terrorist cell.
While Barrett did not disclose a specific motive for their visit to the Philippines, she noted the region has historically attracted militant groups linked to the Islamic State and al-Qaida. The southern Philippines has seen foreign militants engage in local separatist conflicts, which may have inspired the pair’s actions upon returning to Australia.
Naveed Akram has yet to enter pleas on numerous serious charges, including 15 counts of murder and a charge of committing a terrorist act. After a gunfight with police on December 14, he was shot in the abdomen and spent a week in the hospital before being taken to prison. His father, Sajid Akram, was shot and killed by police during the same incident.
In response to the horrifying attack, Australian authorities have announced an unprecedented police presence for the upcoming New Year’s Eve festivities at Sydney Harbor, with over 2,500 officers on duty—many of whom will carry automatic rifles, a rare sight on the streets of Sydney. New South Wales Premier Chris Minns addressed concerns regarding the perceived militarization of the police, explaining that changes in security protocols are necessary following the nation’s worst terrorism event in history.
Despite potential public apprehension towards increased police presence, Minns expressed confidence that families would feel safer with a robust security setup during the celebrations. “This is an opportunity to live your life and show defiance to that kind of ideology,” he remarked, encouraging collective resilience against extremism.
The victims of the Bondi shooting will be honored with a moment of silence at 11 p.m. on New Year’s Eve, accompanied by the projection of four images of a menorah onto the pylons of the Sydney Harbor Bridge. This decision came after local authorities initially planned to display an image of a dove symbolizing peace but opted for a more fitting tribute in consultation with Jewish community representatives.
Lord Mayor Clover Moore stated, “I continue to listen to the community to ensure the acknowledgement of the horrific attack at Bondi Beach during New Year’s Eve is appropriate.” As Sydney prepares to usher in the new year with its famous fireworks display, the city remains mindful of the tragic events that unfolded just weeks prior, reflecting a commitment to both safety and community solidarity.
