Overview
- Authorities say early indications point to an Islamic State–inspired attack, with IEDs and two homemade ISIS flags found in a vehicle linked to the suspects.
- Philippines immigration officials confirmed the pair arrived November 1 and left November 28, with Sajid Akram traveling on an Indian passport and Davao listed as their destination.
- Naveed Akram was investigated by ASIO in 2019 over associations with extremists but was not placed on a watchlist after a six-month inquiry found no evidence of an ongoing threat.
- Police and federal agencies are examining possible links to Australia’s pro-ISIS network, including figures named in prior counterterrorism cases, as they map the suspects’ radicalisation.
- Sajid Akram legally owned six firearms and held a licence issued in 2023, prompting renewed debate over gun licensing; Naveed remains in hospital under police guard and is expected to face charges.