Accused Bondi Beach Shooters Acted Alone and Did Not Preparation in the Southeast Asian Nation, Investigators Confirm.
The pair of accused attackers who carried out the fatal attack at a Hanukkah celebration on Bondi Beach, that took 15 lives, appear to have operated independently, as stated by national police.
Authorities also confirmed that Sajid Akram, 50, and his 24-year-old son Naveed Akram, 24, journeyed to the Philippines on 1 November. Their travel plans included arriving in the main city Manila before transiting on the day of arrival to Davao City. The father and son returned to Sydney on 29 November.
Lack of Proof of Training During Visit
Investigators assert the duo did not partake in any form of terrorist coaching or "logistical preparation" during their time in the Philippines. Initial investigations from local officials indicate they "hardly ventured out of" their accommodation.
The incident—labeled as Australia's deadliest mass shooting since 1996—has been officially designated a terrorist incident.
"We are actively analyzing the footage," the commissioner stated, explaining that early reviews indicate that "the alleged offenders are suspected to have been lone actors."
Australian Federal Police Chief Krissy Barrett told the press on Tuesday that security camera video showing the accused attackers' whereabouts in the Philippines had been submitted to domestic investigators.
"There is little to no indication to indicate these suspects were affiliated with a larger terrorist cell, or were directed by others to perpetrate an act of violence," the police chief emphasized.
Yet, the men were likewise not necessarily in the Philippines as tourists, she added. She stressed that, since the probe is ongoing, new evidence might surface.
Motivation and Legal Charges
In prior statements, Australian leader Anthony Albanese said it seems both accused gunmen were "motivated by Islamic State" ideology.
During the incident, Sajid Akram was fatally shot by police. He and his son Naveed—reportedly carrying long-barrelled guns—allegedly opened fire on guests at the Jewish festival event.
Naveed Akram, who was hospitalised after the shooting, has been formally accused of 59 crimes. These comprise 15 counts of murder and one count of committing a terrorist act. He is due to appear in court in April.
Immigration Particulars
In the wake following the attack, immigration authorities in the Philippines stated that the father had entered the country using an Indian passport, while his younger suspect used an domestic passport.
The pair had listed the metropolis of Davao as their final destination. Their booked return flight to Australia was for Sydney.
Davao is a sprawling metropolis on the east of Mindanao, the Philippines' primary island in the south. The region is known because, Islamist militants have reportedly operate in impoverished parts of central and south-western Mindanao.
