Suspected Bondi Beach Shooters Acted Solo and Did Not Training in the Southeast Asian Nation, Police Confirm.
The two alleged individuals responsible for the deadly incident at a Hanukkah celebration on Bondi Beach, resulting in 15 lives, appear to have operated independently, according to Australian law enforcement.
Authorities also confirmed that Sajid Akram, 50, and his 24-year-old son Naveed Akram travelled to the Philippines on 1 November. Their travel plans included arriving in the main city Manila before transiting on the day of arrival to Davao City. The duo flew back to Sydney on 29 November.
Lack of Proof of Preparation During Visit
Authorities indicate the pair did not undergo any type of attack-related coaching or "logistical preparation" 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 mass shooting since 1996—has been officially classified as a terrorist incident.
"We are currently reviewing the evidence," she stated, adding that preliminary reviews suggest that "these individuals are believed to have been lone actors."
National law enforcement Commissioner Krissy Barrett briefed media on Tuesday that surveillance material tracking the alleged gunmen's movements in the Philippines had been provided to Australian investigators.
"There is no evidence to indicate these alleged offenders were part of a larger organization, or were directed by overseas entities to execute an act of violence," the police chief stated.
But, the duo were also not in the Philippines on a leisure trip, the official added. She stressed that, given that the inquiry is ongoing, new evidence could surface.
Ideology and Legal Charges
Earlier, the nation's Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said it seems both accused attackers were "influenced by Islamic State" extremist views.
During the shooting, Sajid Akram was shot dead by police. He and his son Naveed—reportedly carrying long-barrelled guns—allegedly shot guests at the Hanukkah celebration.
Naveed Akram, who was hospitalised after the attack, has been charged with 59 charges. These encompass 15 counts of murder and one count of committing a act of terrorism. He is scheduled to face court in April.
Immigration Information
In the days following the shooting, immigration officials in the Philippines stated that the older suspect had entered the country using an Indian passport, while his son used an Australian passport.
The pair had stated the metropolis of Davao as their intended endpoint. Their scheduled return flight to Australia was for Sydney.
Davao is a expansive metropolis on the eastern side of Mindanao, the Philippines' primary southern island. Historically, Militant groups have been known to operate in less developed parts of central and south-western Mindanao.
