Accused Bondi Shooters Operated Alone and Did Not Undergo Preparation in the Philippines, Investigators State.
The two suspected attackers who carried out the deadly incident at a Jewish gathering on Bondi Beach, which claimed 15 lives, appear to have acted alone, according to national authorities.
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 travel plans involved arriving in the capital Manila before traveling onward that same day to Davao City. The duo returned to Sydney on 29 November.
No Evidence of Training During Stay
Investigators assert the individuals did not partake in any type of attack-related coaching or "planning" during their visit in the Philippines. Preliminary investigations from Philippine officials point to they "hardly ventured out of" their accommodation.
The incident—labeled as Australia's worst firearm massacre since 1996—has been formally designated a terrorist incident.
"We are currently examining the evidence," she stated, explaining that early reviews indicate that "the alleged offenders are believed to have acted alone."
Australian Federal Police Commissioner Krissy Barrett informed the press on Tuesday that CCTV footage tracking the alleged gunmen's activities in the Philippines had been provided to domestic authorities.
"Our investigation shows little to no indication to indicate these suspects were part of a larger organization, or were instructed by external parties to execute an incident," Commissioner Barrett stated.
However, the pair were also not in the Philippines for tourism, Commissioner Barrett added. She emphasized that, since the investigation is continuing, new evidence could surface.
Motivation and Legal Proceedings
In prior statements, the nation's Prime Minister Anthony Albanese commented it seems both accused gunmen were "inspired by the so-called Islamic State" beliefs.
During the incident, Sajid Akram was shot dead by police. He and his son Naveed—both armed with rifles—are accused of having targeted attendees at the Jewish festival celebration.
Naveed Akram, who was hospitalised after the shooting, has been charged with 59 crimes. These encompass 15 charges of murder and one count of committing a terrorist act. He is expected to appear in court in April.
Immigration Information
In the aftermath following the shooting, immigration authorities in the Philippines indicated that the father had arrived in the country using an Indian passport, while his younger suspect used an domestic passport.
The duo had listed the southern city of Davao as their intended endpoint. Their scheduled return flight to Australia was for Sydney.
Davao is a expansive urban center on the east of Mindanao, the Philippines' main southern island. It is noted that, Islamist fighters have reportedly operate in less developed parts of southern and western Mindanao.
