Accused Bondi Beach Shooters Operated Solo and Received No Training in the Southeast Asian Nation, Authorities Confirm.
The two alleged attackers who carried out the fatal shooting at a Hanukkah event on Bondi Beach, which claimed 15 lives, are believed to have operated independently, according to national law enforcement.
Investigators additionally revealed that Sajid Akram, 50, and his son Naveed Akram, 24, flew to the Philippines on 1 November. Their itinerary involved landing in the capital Manila before connecting that same day to Davao City. The pair flew back to Sydney on 29 November.
Lack of Proof of Planning During Trip
Authorities assert the individuals did not partake in any form of terrorist training or "logistical preparation" during their stay in the Philippines. Initial inquiries from local officials indicate they "hardly ventured out of" their accommodation.
The incident—declared Australia's worst firearm massacre since 1996—has been formally declared a act of terrorism.
"We are currently analyzing the footage," the commissioner stated, adding that initial evaluations suggest that "the two men are alleged to have been lone actors."
Australian Federal Police Commissioner Krissy Barrett briefed reporters on Tuesday that surveillance material showing the accused attackers' movements in the Philippines had been submitted to Australian authorities.
"Our investigation shows no evidence to suggest these alleged offenders were affiliated with a larger network, or were instructed by external parties to execute an act of violence," Commissioner Barrett said.
Yet, the duo were also not necessarily in the Philippines on a leisure trip, Commissioner Barrett clarified. She stressed that, as the probe is continuing, new evidence may emerge.
Motivation and Court Proceedings
Earlier, Australian leader Anthony Albanese commented it looks as though both alleged attackers were "inspired by ISIS" extremist views.
During the attack, Sajid Akram was fatally shot by responding officers. He and his son Naveed—both armed with firearms—allegedly targeted guests at the Jewish festival celebration.
Naveed Akram, who was hospitalised after the attack, has been formally accused of 59 offences. These encompass 15 charges of murder and one count of carrying out a terrorist act. He is expected to appear in court in April.
Immigration Information
In the days following the shooting, border authorities in the Philippines stated that the older suspect had entered the country using an foreign passport, while his younger suspect used an Australian passport.
The duo had declared the metropolis of Davao as their intended endpoint. Their pre-arranged journey back to Australia was for Sydney.
Davao is a sprawling urban center on the eastern side of Mindanao, the Philippines' main southern island. The region is known because, Militant militants have been known to operate in poorer parts of southern and western Mindanao.
