Suspected Bondi Beach Gunmen Operated Solo and Did Not Undergo Instruction in the Philippines, Investigators State.
The two suspected attackers responsible for the lethal shooting at a Hanukkah celebration on Bondi Beach, that took 15 lives, reportedly acted alone, according to national law enforcement.
Authorities additionally revealed that the 50-year-old Sajid Akram, and his 24-year-old son Naveed Akram journeyed to the Philippines on 1 November. Their itinerary involved arriving in the capital Manila before connecting on the day of arrival to Davao City. The father and son returned to Sydney on 29 November.
No Evidence of Preparation During Stay
Police have stated the pair did not receive any type of attack-related instruction or "planning" during their stay in the Philippines. Preliminary findings from Philippine authorities suggest they "mostly stayed in" their hotel.
The shooting—described as Australia's deadliest firearm massacre since 1996—has been officially designated a act of terrorism.
"We are currently analyzing the material," the commissioner said, noting that initial evaluations show that "these individuals are suspected to have acted alone."
Australian Federal Police Commissioner Krissy Barrett briefed the press on Tuesday that security camera video showing the alleged gunmen's whereabouts in the Philippines had been provided to domestic investigators.
"There is no evidence to indicate these alleged offenders were affiliated with a broader network, or were directed by others to carry out an act of violence," Commissioner Barrett emphasized.
Yet, the men were likewise not in the Philippines for tourism, she noted. She emphasized that, given that the inquiry is ongoing, new evidence might surface.
Inspiration and Legal Charges
In prior statements, the nation's leader Anthony Albanese commented it looks as though both accused attackers were "motivated by Islamic State" extremist views.
During the shooting, Sajid Akram was killed by responding officers. He and his son Naveed—reportedly carrying long-barrelled guns—are accused of having opened fire on guests at the Jewish festival event.
Naveed Akram, who was injured and taken to hospital after the shooting, has been charged with 59 crimes. These include 15 counts of murder and one count of committing a terrorist act. He is due to appear in court in April.
Immigration Details
In the days following the attack, border officials in the Philippines reported that the older suspect had arrived in the country using an foreign passport, while his son used an Australian passport.
The pair had declared the southern city of Davao as their final destination. Their pre-arranged return flight to Australia was for Sydney.
Davao is a sprawling metropolis on the east of Mindanao, the Philippines' primary island in the south. It is noted that, Islamist fighters have been known to operate in impoverished parts of central and south-western Mindanao.
