Accused Bondi Beach Shooters Acted Alone and Received No Instruction in the Philippines, Authorities Say.
The pair of accused attackers who carried out the lethal incident at a Jewish event on Bondi Beach, resulting in 15 lives, are believed to have acted alone, per Australian law enforcement.
Police also confirmed that Sajid Akram, 50, and his 24-year-old son Naveed Akram journeyed to the Philippines on 1 November. Their itinerary included arriving in the capital Manila before connecting that same day to Davao City. The duo flew back to Sydney on 29 November.
No Evidence of Training During Trip
Authorities indicate the individuals did not receive any type of terrorist instruction or "organizing" during their time in the Philippines. Initial investigations from Philippine authorities point to they "hardly ventured out of" their hotel.
The incident—described as Australia's deadliest mass shooting since 1996—has been formally designated a terrorist incident.
"We are currently examining the evidence," the commissioner stated, noting that early evaluations indicate that "these individuals are suspected to have been lone actors."
Australian Federal Police Chief Krissy Barrett told the press on Tuesday that CCTV footage showing the alleged gunmen's activities in the Philippines had been provided to Australian investigators.
"Our investigation shows little to no indication to support the idea these accused individuals were part of a broader network, or were acting on orders from others to carry out an act of violence," the police chief said.
Yet, the duo were additionally not in the Philippines for tourism, she clarified. She stressed that, since the inquiry is continuing, new evidence might emerge.
Inspiration and Legal Charges
In prior statements, the nation's Prime Minister Anthony Albanese commented it seems both alleged gunmen were "motivated by ISIS" extremist views.
During the incident, Sajid Akram was shot dead by police. He and his son Naveed—both armed with firearms—allegedly targeted attendees at the Hanukkah event.
Naveed Akram, who was wounded after the attack, has been charged with 59 offences. These comprise 15 charges of murder and one count of carrying out a act of terrorism. He is scheduled to face court in April.
Travel Particulars
In the days following the shooting, immigration authorities in the Philippines stated that the older suspect had arrived in the country using an foreign passport, while his son used an Australian passport.
The duo had stated the metropolis of Davao as their final destination. Their pre-arranged return flight to Australia was for Sydney.
Davao is a expansive urban center on the eastern side of Mindanao, the Philippines' main southern island. Historically, Militant militants have reportedly operate in less developed parts of central and south-western Mindanao.
