Alleged Bondi Beach Attackers Acted Solo and Received No Instruction in the Southeast Asian Nation, Investigators Say.
The two alleged gunmen responsible for the lethal shooting at a Jewish gathering on Bondi Beach, which claimed 15 lives, reportedly been lone actors, per Australian law enforcement.
Police also confirmed that Sajid Akram, 50, and his son Naveed Akram flew to the Philippines on 1 November. Their itinerary included landing in the main city Manila before transiting that same day to Davao City. The father and son returned to Sydney on 29 November.
Lack of Proof of Planning During Visit
Authorities indicate the individuals did not undergo any form of attack-related instruction or "planning" during their stay in the Philippines. Initial findings from Philippine authorities point to they "rarely left" their accommodation.
The incident—declared Australia's deadliest firearm massacre since 1996—has been officially declared a terrorist incident.
"We are currently examining the material," the commissioner stated, explaining that early reviews suggest that "these individuals are suspected to have operated independently."
Australian Federal Police Chief Krissy Barrett informed reporters on Tuesday that security camera video documenting the alleged gunmen's activities in the Philippines had been provided to Australian authorities.
"Our investigation shows little to no indication to indicate these alleged offenders were affiliated with a larger network, or were instructed by external parties to perpetrate an incident," she said.
However, the men were also not necessarily in the Philippines on a leisure trip, she noted. She underscored that, since the inquiry is continuing, fresh information could surface.
Ideology and Legal Proceedings
In prior statements, the nation's Prime Minister Anthony Albanese commented it appears both accused attackers were "motivated by the so-called Islamic State" beliefs.
During the attack, Sajid Akram was fatally shot by police. He and his son Naveed—both armed with rifles—are accused of having targeted guests at the Jewish festival celebration.
Naveed Akram, who was wounded after the shooting, has been formally accused of 59 offences. 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.
Travel Particulars
In the days following the attack, border authorities in the Philippines indicated that the older suspect had entered the country using an Indian passport, while his younger suspect used an domestic passport.
The pair had declared the metropolis of Davao as their intended endpoint. Their scheduled journey back to Australia was for Sydney.
Davao is a sprawling city on the eastern side of Mindanao, the Philippines' main southern island. The region is known because, Islamist groups have reportedly operate in less developed parts of central and south-western Mindanao.
