Accused Bondi Gunmen Acted Solo and Received No Preparation in the Philippines, Authorities State.
The two suspected attackers who carried out the lethal shooting at a Jewish celebration on Bondi Beach, that took 15 lives, reportedly operated independently, according to Australian police.
Police further stated that Sajid Akram, 50, and his 24-year-old son Naveed Akram, 24, flew to the Philippines on 1 November. Their itinerary included 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
Authorities assert the pair did not receive any form of terrorist instruction or "organizing" during their stay in the Philippines. Early investigations from local officials point to they "hardly ventured out of" their accommodation.
The shooting—described as Australia's deadliest mass shooting since 1996—has been formally classified as a terrorist incident.
"We are actively analyzing the evidence," she said, explaining that preliminary evaluations suggest that "these individuals are believed to have been lone actors."
Australian Federal Police Chief Krissy Barrett informed media on Tuesday that security camera video documenting the alleged gunmen's activities in the Philippines had been provided to domestic investigators.
"Our investigation shows little to no indication to support the idea these suspects were members of a broader network, or were acting on orders from others to carry out an attack," Commissioner Barrett said.
However, the duo were additionally not necessarily in the Philippines on a leisure trip, she noted. She underscored that, given that the inquiry is continuing, new evidence may come to light.
Motivation and Court Charges
In prior statements, Australian leader Anthony Albanese remarked it seems both alleged attackers were "influenced by ISIS" ideology.
During the incident, Sajid Akram was killed by responding officers. He and his son Naveed—both armed with long-barrelled guns—are accused of having shot attendees at the Jewish festival celebration.
Naveed Akram, who was wounded after the shooting, has been charged with 59 crimes. These include 15 counts of murder and one count of carrying out a act of terrorism. He is expected to face court in April.
Travel Details
In the days following the attack, immigration officials in the Philippines reported that the father had arrived in the country using an foreign passport, while his son used an domestic passport.
The pair had declared the southern city of Davao as their final destination. Their booked journey back to Australia was for Sydney.
Davao is a sprawling city on the east of Mindanao, the Philippines' primary island in the south. Historically, Islamist militants have reportedly operate in impoverished parts of southern and western Mindanao.
