Further information has surfaced regarding the travel activities of Naveed and Sajid Akram, the father and son accused of carrying out the deadly shooting at a “Chanukah by the Sea” event in Bondi on December 14, which claimed 15 lives and injured dozens.
Sajid Akram was killed by police at the scene, while Naveed Akram faces charges including 15 counts of murder, 40 counts of attempted murder, and terrorism-related offences.
Speculation has centred on the duo’s nearly month-long stay in Davao City, Philippines—a region with a history of Islamist extremism—just weeks prior to the attack.
According to Australian Federal Police (AFP) Commissioner Krissy Barrett, CCTV footage and hotel staff reports indicate the pair spent much of their time confined to their hotel room. This material, along with other intelligence, is now under review by the AFP.
In a Tuesday update, Commissioner Barrett stated: “Current assessments suggest these individuals acted alone. There is no evidence indicating they were part of a larger terrorist network or received external direction.”
She emphasised, however: “I want to be clear—I am not suggesting that they were there for tourism.”
Barrett described the findings as preliminary, noting that substantial investigative work remains, and new evidence could emerge.
Authorities are also examining potential support the Akrams may have received from ISIS affiliates within Australia.
Commissioner Barrett confirmed an AFP analyst has been sent to the Philippines to assist local authorities and the Philippine National Police.
She reaffirmed the AFP’s commitment to countering radicalisation, stating: “We have scrutinised sermons line by line, consulted experts, and pursued legal options to charge those inciting hatred toward the Jewish community.”
The Albanese government is advancing reforms to strengthen hate speech legislation, including a new federal offence for serious vilification based on race or advocacy of racial supremacy.
Barrett supported these changes, saying they would aid in bringing cases to court.
Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke noted existing laws present prosecution challenges, as they require proof of incitement to violence rather than mere expression of hatred.
“Previously, Australian law treated these separately in criminal terms,” Burke explained.
“Now, we’re ensuring that what hate preachers say is deemed unacceptable and criminal—that’s the aim of this legislation.”
