Suspected Bondi Beach Attackers Operated Alone and Received No Instruction in the Southeast Asian Nation, Investigators State.
The two alleged individuals who carried out the lethal shooting at a Hanukkah gathering on Bondi Beach, resulting in 15 lives, are believed to have been lone actors, as stated by national police.
Police additionally revealed that the 50-year-old Sajid Akram, and his 24-year-old son Naveed Akram journeyed to the Philippines on 1 November. Their itinerary involved arriving in the capital Manila before connecting that same day to Davao City. The duo returned to Sydney on 29 November.
Lack of Proof of Training During Trip
Authorities assert the individuals did not partake in any type of attack-related training or "logistical preparation" during their visit in the Philippines. Early inquiries from local officials suggest they "hardly ventured out of" their accommodation.
The attack—declared Australia's most severe firearm massacre since 1996—has been officially declared a terrorist incident.
"Our teams are currently examining the footage," she stated, adding that initial reviews indicate that "the alleged offenders are suspected to have acted alone."
Australian Federal Police Chief Krissy Barrett briefed the press on Tuesday that surveillance material showing the accused attackers' whereabouts in the Philippines had been submitted to Australian investigators.
"Our investigation shows no evidence to suggest these accused individuals were affiliated with a wider terrorist cell, or were directed by others to carry out an act of violence," Commissioner Barrett said.
However, the duo were likewise not necessarily in the Philippines on a leisure trip, the official noted. She emphasized that, since the inquiry is still active, additional details could emerge.
Inspiration and Court Proceedings
In prior statements, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese remarked it appears both alleged attackers were "inspired by the so-called Islamic State" extremist views.
During the incident, Sajid Akram was shot dead by police. He and his son Naveed—equipped with rifles—are accused of having targeted participants at the Hanukkah event.
Naveed Akram, who was wounded after the shooting, has been formally accused of 59 crimes. These include 15 charges of murder and one count of carrying out a act of terrorism. He is due to appear in court in April.
Immigration Details
In the days following the shooting, border officials in the Philippines reported that the father had arrived in the country using an Indian passport, while his son used an domestic passport.
The two had stated the metropolis of Davao as their intended endpoint. Their scheduled return flight to Australia was for Sydney.
Davao is a sprawling urban center on the east of Mindanao, the Philippines' largest southern island. It is noted that, Militant groups have been known to operate in less developed parts of central and south-western Mindanao.