Australian Federal Police Commissioner Krissy Barrett announced Tuesday that an extensive international investigation into the Bondi Beach mass shooting has found no evidence connecting the perpetrators to a broader terrorist network. The probe, which extended to the Philippines, examined the activities of Sydney residents Sajid Akram, 50, and his 24-year-old son Naveed Akram during their November stay in Davao City.
According to Commissioner Barrett, Philippine authorities determined the pair rarely left their hotel during their visit from November 1-29. ‘There is no evidence to suggest they received training or underwent logistical preparation for their alleged attack,’ Barrett stated at a press briefing. ‘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.’
The Akrams returned to Australia on November 29, and two weeks later allegedly carried out the deadliest terrorist attack in Australian history. The December 14 shooting at a Hanukkah festival left 15 dead and 40 wounded before police intervention ended the violence. Naveed Akram, who was shot in the abdomen during a gunfight with officers, now faces dozens of charges including 15 counts of murder and one count of committing a terrorist act. His father was killed by police at the scene.
In response to the attack, Sydney authorities are deploying unprecedented security measures for New Year’s Eve celebrations. More than 2,500 officers will patrol the harborfront, many openly carrying automatic rifles—a rare sight on Sydney streets. The enhanced security comes after initial responders to the Bondi attack were armed only with pistols that were outranged by the Akrams’ rifles and shotguns.
New South Wales Premier Chris Minns defended the security upgrades, stating, ‘Given we’ve just had the worst terrorism event in Australia’s history inside the last month, it would be self-evidently the case that things need to change.’ The premier emphasized that the show of force represents defiance rather than submission to extremist ideologies.
The celebrations will include a solemn tribute to the Bondi victims with a minute of silence at 11 p.m. and projections of Jewish menorahs on the Sydney Harbour Bridge pylons—a change from originally planned dove imagery after consultation with Jewish community representatives.