Suspected Bondi Beach Gunmen Acted Alone and Did Not Training in the Philippines, Investigators Confirm.
The pair of accused individuals who carried out the fatal attack at a Jewish event on Bondi Beach, that took 15 lives, reportedly acted alone, as stated by Australian authorities.
Police also confirmed that the 50-year-old Sajid Akram, and his son Naveed Akram, 24, journeyed to the Philippines on 1 November. Their itinerary involved landing in the capital Manila before traveling onward that same day to Davao City. The father and son returned to Sydney on 29 November.
No Evidence of Preparation During Visit
Police indicate the duo did not receive any type of terrorist coaching or "planning" during their visit in the Philippines. Preliminary inquiries from Philippine officials point to they "hardly ventured out of" their hotel.
The incident—described as Australia's worst mass shooting since 1996—has been officially designated a terrorist incident.
"Our teams are currently analyzing the material," the commissioner said, noting that initial reviews indicate that "the alleged offenders are alleged to have operated independently."
Australian Federal Police Chief Krissy Barrett told media on Tuesday that security camera video tracking the accused attackers' whereabouts in the Philippines had been handed over to Australian investigators.
"There is little to no indication to indicate these accused individuals were affiliated with a larger network, or were acting on orders from external parties to execute an act of violence," the police chief said.
However, the men were likewise not in the Philippines on a leisure trip, Commissioner Barrett added. She underscored that, as the probe is ongoing, fresh information may emerge.
Motivation and Court Proceedings
Earlier, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese remarked it seems both alleged gunmen were "inspired by Islamic State" beliefs.
During the shooting, Sajid Akram was killed by responding officers. He and his son Naveed—reportedly carrying long-barrelled guns—allegedly shot guests at the Hanukkah celebration.
Naveed Akram, who was injured and taken to hospital after the attack, has been formally accused of 59 charges. These encompass 15 charges of murder and one count of committing a terrorist act. He is scheduled to face court in April.
Travel Particulars
In the aftermath following the shooting, immigration officials in the Philippines reported that the older suspect had arrived in the country using an Indian passport, while his son 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 expansive city on the east of Mindanao, the Philippines' primary southern island. The region is known because, Militant groups have been known to be active in poorer parts of central and south-western Mindanao.
