Accused Bondi Beach Gunmen Operated Independently and Did Not Undergo Preparation in the Southeast Asian Nation, Authorities Confirm.
The two alleged individuals responsible for the deadly incident at a Hanukkah event on Bondi Beach, resulting in 15 lives, appear to have acted alone, according to Australian law enforcement.
Investigators also confirmed that Sajid Akram, 50, and his 24-year-old son Naveed Akram, 24, flew to the Philippines on 1 November. Their travel plans involved landing in the main city Manila before transiting that same day to Davao City. The duo returned to Sydney on 29 November.
Lack of Proof of Preparation During Stay
Police have stated the individuals did not receive any form of terrorist instruction or "organizing" during their visit in the Philippines. Preliminary inquiries from Philippine authorities point to they "rarely left" their accommodation.
The shooting—described as Australia's deadliest mass shooting since 1996—has been formally declared a act of terrorism.
"Our teams are actively examining the evidence," she stated, explaining that early reviews show that "the two men are alleged to have acted alone."
Australian Federal Police Chief Krissy Barrett briefed media on Tuesday that CCTV footage tracking the accused attackers' movements in the Philippines had been provided to domestic investigators.
"Our investigation shows little to no indication to indicate these suspects were members of a broader terrorist cell, or were acting on orders from overseas entities to carry out an act of violence," Commissioner Barrett stated.
Yet, the duo were additionally not in the Philippines on a leisure trip, the official clarified. She stressed that, given that the probe is still active, additional details could emerge.
Ideology and Court Charges
Previously, the nation's Prime Minister Anthony Albanese commented it seems both alleged attackers were "influenced by Islamic State" extremist views.
During the incident, Sajid Akram was fatally shot by responding officers. He and his son Naveed—both armed with long-barrelled guns—are accused of having opened fire on participants at the Hanukkah event.
Naveed Akram, who was injured and taken to hospital after the shooting, has been formally accused of 59 offences. These comprise 15 charges of murder and one count of carrying out a terrorist act. He is scheduled to face court in April.
Travel Details
In the wake following the attack, immigration officials in the Philippines stated that the father had arrived in the country using an Indian passport, while his son used an Australian passport.
The duo had listed the metropolis of Davao as their final destination. Their pre-arranged journey back to Australia was for Sydney.
Davao is a large city on the east of Mindanao, the Philippines' largest southern island. It is noted that, Islamist groups have been known to operate in poorer parts of central and south-western Mindanao.
