Suspected Bondi Beach Shooters Operated Independently and Received No Instruction in the Philippines, Police Say.
The two alleged attackers who carried out the deadly shooting at a Hanukkah celebration on Bondi Beach, that took 15 lives, appear to have been lone actors, per Australian authorities.
Investigators further stated that Sajid Akram, 50, and his 24-year-old son Naveed Akram flew to the Philippines on 1 November. Their itinerary included arriving in the capital Manila before traveling onward on the day of arrival to Davao City. The duo returned to Sydney on 29 November.
Lack of Proof of Training During Stay
Authorities have stated the pair did not undergo any form of terrorist coaching or "organizing" during their time in the Philippines. Early findings from Philippine officials suggest they "mostly stayed in" their accommodation.
The attack—labeled as Australia's deadliest firearm massacre since 1996—has been officially designated a act of terrorism.
"Our teams are actively reviewing the footage," the commissioner stated, adding that initial reviews indicate that "these individuals are alleged to have operated independently."
Australian Federal Police Chief Krissy Barrett briefed the press on Tuesday that CCTV footage showing the alleged gunmen's movements in the Philippines had been handed over to Australian investigators.
"Our investigation shows no evidence to indicate these alleged offenders were members of a larger organization, or were directed by others to perpetrate an attack," Commissioner Barrett emphasized.
However, the men were additionally not in the Philippines for tourism, Commissioner Barrett added. She underscored that, since the investigation is ongoing, additional details may emerge.
Inspiration and Court Charges
Earlier, the nation's Prime Minister Anthony Albanese remarked it looks as though both accused attackers were "influenced by the so-called Islamic State" ideology.
During the incident, Sajid Akram was shot dead by police. He and his son Naveed—equipped with long-barrelled guns—are accused of having targeted participants at the Jewish festival celebration.
Naveed Akram, who was injured and taken to hospital after the attack, has been charged with 59 offences. These encompass 15 charges of murder and one count of perpetrating a act of terrorism. He is expected to face court in April.
Travel Particulars
In the wake following the shooting, border authorities in the Philippines stated that the father had entered the country using an foreign passport, while his younger suspect used an domestic passport.
The two had listed the metropolis of Davao as their intended endpoint. Their pre-arranged return flight to Australia was for Sydney.
Davao is a large urban center on the eastern side of Mindanao, the Philippines' largest island in the south. Historically, Militant militants have reportedly be active in poorer parts of central and south-western Mindanao.