Alleged Bondi Beach Shooters Acted Solo and Received No Training in the Southeast Asian Nation, Investigators Confirm.
The pair of accused attackers who carried out the lethal shooting at a Hanukkah celebration on Bondi Beach, resulting in 15 lives, reportedly acted alone, as stated by national authorities.
Authorities further stated that Sajid Akram, 50, and his 24-year-old son Naveed Akram flew to the Philippines on 1 November. Their itinerary included landing in the main city Manila before transiting on the day of arrival to Davao City. The duo returned to Sydney on 29 November.
No Evidence of Planning During Trip
Investigators indicate the duo did not receive any form of terrorist training or "organizing" during their time in the Philippines. Early inquiries from Philippine officials point to they "rarely left" their accommodation.
The attack—described as Australia's worst mass shooting since 1996—has been officially declared a terrorist incident.
"Our teams are actively reviewing the evidence," the commissioner stated, adding that preliminary reviews show that "the alleged offenders are suspected to have operated independently."
National law enforcement Chief Krissy Barrett informed the press on Tuesday that security camera video showing the alleged gunmen's activities in the Philippines had been submitted to domestic investigators.
"There is no evidence to indicate these alleged offenders were part of a larger organization, or were instructed by external parties to execute an attack," Commissioner Barrett emphasized.
But, the pair were additionally not necessarily in the Philippines for tourism, the official noted. She emphasized that, given that the probe is ongoing, new evidence might come to light.
Motivation and Court Proceedings
In prior statements, Australian leader Anthony Albanese remarked it appears both alleged attackers were "influenced by ISIS" beliefs.
During the shooting, Sajid Akram was fatally shot by responding officers. He and his son Naveed—both armed with rifles—are accused of having shot participants at the Jewish festival celebration.
Naveed Akram, who was hospitalised after the shooting, has been charged with 59 charges. These encompass 15 charges of murder and one count of carrying out a act of terrorism. He is expected to face court in April.
Immigration Information
In the aftermath following the attack, immigration authorities in the Philippines indicated that the older suspect had arrived in the country using an Indian passport, while his son used an Australian passport.
The two had declared the southern city of Davao as their intended endpoint. Their pre-arranged return flight to Australia was for Sydney.
Davao is a sprawling metropolis on the eastern side of Mindanao, the Philippines' largest island in the south. The region is known because, Islamist groups have reportedly operate in poorer parts of central and south-western Mindanao.
