Suspected Bondi Beach Shooters Operated Independently and Did Not Undergo Instruction in the Philippines, Investigators State.
The two alleged attackers who carried out the fatal attack at a Hanukkah gathering on Bondi Beach, resulting in 15 lives, appear to have been lone actors, per Australian authorities.
Police further stated that the 50-year-old Sajid Akram, and his 24-year-old son Naveed Akram journeyed to the Philippines on 1 November. Their itinerary involved landing in the main city Manila before traveling onward on the day of arrival to Davao City. The pair returned to Sydney on 29 November.
Lack of Proof of Training During Trip
Investigators have stated the duo did not receive any type of attack-related coaching or "planning" during their visit in the Philippines. Preliminary findings from Philippine officials indicate they "hardly ventured out of" their hotel.
The incident—labeled as Australia's most severe firearm massacre since 1996—has been formally declared a terrorist incident.
"We are currently examining the material," she stated, noting that early reviews suggest that "these individuals are alleged to have acted alone."
National law enforcement Commissioner Krissy Barrett told the press on Tuesday that CCTV footage documenting the alleged gunmen's movements in the Philippines had been submitted to domestic authorities.
"Our investigation shows no evidence to indicate these alleged offenders were part of a broader network, or were instructed by external parties to perpetrate an incident," the police chief emphasized.
Yet, the pair were likewise not necessarily in the Philippines on a leisure trip, the official added. She emphasized that, since the inquiry is still active, fresh information may come to light.
Ideology and Legal Charges
In prior statements, the nation's leader Anthony Albanese remarked it appears both alleged gunmen were "influenced by Islamic State" ideology.
During the incident, Sajid Akram was killed by police. He and his son Naveed—both armed with rifles—are accused of having shot attendees at the Jewish festival event.
Naveed Akram, who was injured and taken to hospital after the shooting, has been charged with 59 offences. These comprise 15 charges of murder and one count of carrying out a act of terrorism. He is scheduled to appear in court in April.
Travel Details
In the aftermath following the attack, border authorities in the Philippines stated that the father had arrived in the country using an foreign passport, while his son used an domestic passport.
The pair had stated the southern city of Davao as their final destination. Their booked return flight to Australia was for Sydney.
Davao is a sprawling city on the east of Mindanao, the Philippines' main island in the south. The region is known because, Militant fighters have reportedly operate in poorer parts of southern and western Mindanao.
