Alleged Bondi Attackers Acted Solo and Received No Instruction in the Southeast Asian Nation, Police Say.
The two alleged attackers who carried out the lethal attack at a Hanukkah celebration on Bondi Beach, that took 15 lives, are believed to have operated independently, as stated by national authorities.
Investigators additionally revealed that Sajid Akram, 50, and his 24-year-old son Naveed Akram, 24, flew to the Philippines on 1 November. Their itinerary involved landing in the main city Manila before transiting on the day of arrival to Davao City. The pair flew back to Sydney on 29 November.
Lack of Proof of Training During Visit
Authorities indicate the pair did not undergo any type of terrorist training or "planning" during their visit in the Philippines. Preliminary inquiries from Philippine authorities point to they "mostly stayed in" their accommodation.
The shooting—labeled as Australia's worst firearm massacre since 1996—has been formally designated a act of terrorism.
"We are currently examining the evidence," she said, noting that early assessments suggest that "the alleged offenders are suspected to have acted alone."
Australian Federal Police Chief Krissy Barrett informed the press on Tuesday that surveillance material documenting the accused attackers' whereabouts in the Philippines had been handed over to Australian investigators.
"Our investigation shows no evidence to suggest these accused individuals were members of a wider organization, or were acting on orders from external parties to carry out an act of violence," Commissioner Barrett said.
However, the pair were likewise not necessarily in the Philippines for tourism, Commissioner Barrett added. She emphasized that, as the investigation is still active, fresh information could emerge.
Inspiration and Court Charges
Earlier, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese commented it seems both alleged gunmen were "motivated by ISIS" beliefs.
During the shooting, Sajid Akram was killed by responding officers. He and his son Naveed—reportedly carrying firearms—allegedly shot participants at the Jewish festival celebration.
Naveed Akram, who was hospitalised after the attack, has been charged with 59 crimes. These include 15 charges of murder and one count of perpetrating a terrorist act. He is due to face court in April.
Travel Particulars
In the days following the shooting, border officials in the Philippines reported that the father had entered the country using an foreign passport, while his younger suspect used an Australian passport.
The duo had stated the southern city of Davao as their intended endpoint. Their scheduled return flight to Australia was for Sydney.
Davao is a sprawling city on the eastern side of Mindanao, the Philippines' primary island in the south. Historically, Militant fighters have reportedly be active in impoverished parts of central and south-western Mindanao.
