Alleged Bondi Beach Attackers Operated Solo and Did Not Undergo Training in the Southeast Asian Nation, Authorities Say.
The pair of accused attackers responsible for the lethal shooting at a Hanukkah gathering on Bondi Beach, that took 15 lives, appear to have acted alone, according to Australian police.
Authorities also confirmed that Sajid Akram, 50, and his 24-year-old son Naveed Akram, 24, flew to the Philippines on 1 November. Their itinerary included landing in the main city Manila before connecting that same day to Davao City. The pair returned to Sydney on 29 November.
Lack of Proof of Planning During Visit
Authorities have stated the individuals did not undergo any type of terrorist instruction or "organizing" during their visit in the Philippines. Early investigations from local authorities suggest they "mostly stayed in" their hotel.
The attack—described as Australia's worst mass shooting since 1996—has been officially classified as a terrorist incident.
"We are actively reviewing the evidence," the commissioner stated, noting that preliminary reviews suggest that "the alleged offenders are alleged to have acted alone."
Australian Federal Police Chief Krissy Barrett informed the press on Tuesday that CCTV footage tracking the alleged gunmen's whereabouts in the Philippines had been submitted to Australian authorities.
"There is little to no indication to suggest these alleged offenders were affiliated with a wider network, or were directed by others to carry out an incident," she stated.
But, the men were likewise not in the Philippines for tourism, the official noted. She underscored that, since the inquiry is continuing, additional details might surface.
Motivation and Legal Charges
Earlier, the nation's Prime Minister Anthony Albanese commented it looks as though both alleged gunmen were "motivated by the so-called Islamic State" beliefs.
During the shooting, Sajid Akram was shot dead by responding officers. He and his son Naveed—both armed with long-barrelled guns—allegedly opened fire on guests at the Jewish festival event.
Naveed Akram, who was injured and taken to hospital after the shooting, has been charged with 59 crimes. These encompass 15 counts of murder and one count of carrying out a act of terrorism. He is expected to appear in court in April.
Travel Information
In the aftermath following the shooting, immigration officials 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 duo had listed the metropolis of Davao as their final destination. Their booked return flight to Australia was for Sydney.
Davao is a large city on the eastern side of Mindanao, the Philippines' primary southern island. Historically, Islamist fighters have reportedly operate in impoverished parts of southern and western Mindanao.
