Suspected Bondi Attackers Acted Solo and Did Not Undergo Preparation in the Philippines, Investigators Say.
The pair of accused gunmen responsible for the lethal shooting at a Jewish event on Bondi Beach, that took 15 lives, reportedly acted alone, per Australian law enforcement.
Police also confirmed that the 50-year-old Sajid Akram, and his son Naveed Akram travelled to the Philippines on 1 November. Their itinerary involved arriving in the main city Manila before traveling onward on the day of arrival to Davao City. The pair returned to Sydney on 29 November.
No Evidence of Planning During Stay
Authorities have stated the individuals did not receive any type of terrorist training or "logistical preparation" during their time in the Philippines. Early findings from local authorities indicate they "rarely left" their hotel.
The attack—described as Australia's most severe mass shooting since 1996—has been formally classified as a terrorist incident.
"We are currently analyzing the material," she stated, explaining that initial assessments suggest that "these individuals are believed to have been lone actors."
Australian Federal Police Commissioner Krissy Barrett told media on Tuesday that surveillance material showing the alleged gunmen's whereabouts in the Philippines had been provided to domestic investigators.
"There is no evidence to suggest these alleged offenders were members of a broader organization, or were instructed by external parties to execute an act of violence," she emphasized.
But, the men were also not necessarily in the Philippines as tourists, Commissioner Barrett added. She emphasized that, as the inquiry is ongoing, additional details could surface.
Ideology and Legal Charges
Previously, the nation's leader Anthony Albanese said it looks as though both accused gunmen were "motivated by the so-called Islamic State" ideology.
During the attack, Sajid Akram was killed by responding officers. He and his son Naveed—equipped with firearms—allegedly opened fire on participants at the Hanukkah celebration.
Naveed Akram, who was injured and taken to hospital after the shooting, has been formally accused of 59 crimes. These encompass 15 counts of murder and one count of carrying out a act of terrorism. He is due to appear in court in April.
Immigration Particulars
In the days following the shooting, immigration authorities in the Philippines reported that the older suspect had arrived in the country using an Indian passport, while his son used an domestic passport.
The duo had stated the metropolis of Davao as their intended endpoint. Their booked return flight to Australia was for Sydney.
Davao is a sprawling urban center on the eastern side of Mindanao, the Philippines' main island in the south. It is noted that, Islamist fighters have reportedly be active in impoverished parts of southern and western Mindanao.