Accused Bondi Beach Attackers Operated Solo and Received No Preparation in the Philippines, Investigators State.
The two alleged gunmen responsible for the lethal shooting at a Jewish gathering on Bondi Beach, that took 15 lives, reportedly acted alone, per Australian authorities.
Investigators further stated that Sajid Akram, 50, and his son Naveed Akram journeyed to the Philippines on 1 November. Their itinerary included arriving in the capital Manila before traveling onward that same day to Davao City. The duo flew back to Sydney on 29 November.
No Evidence of Training During Visit
Police assert the individuals did not partake in any form of terrorist coaching or "planning" during their time in the Philippines. Initial findings from Philippine officials suggest they "mostly stayed in" their accommodation.
The attack—described as Australia's most severe mass shooting since 1996—has been officially declared a act of terrorism.
"We are actively examining the evidence," the commissioner said, explaining that early evaluations suggest that "these individuals are alleged to have operated independently."
Australian Federal Police Chief Krissy Barrett informed media on Tuesday that security camera video showing the alleged gunmen's movements in the Philippines had been handed over to Australian authorities.
"There is no evidence to suggest these alleged offenders were affiliated with a broader organization, or were directed by overseas entities to carry out an incident," she emphasized.
However, the pair were additionally not in the Philippines on a leisure trip, she added. She stressed that, since the inquiry is still active, fresh information might emerge.
Motivation and Court Proceedings
In prior statements, Australian leader Anthony Albanese commented it looks as though both alleged gunmen were "influenced by Islamic State" ideology.
During the incident, Sajid Akram was killed by police. He and his son Naveed—equipped with firearms—are accused of having opened fire on attendees at the Hanukkah celebration.
Naveed Akram, who was injured and taken to hospital after the attack, has been formally accused of 59 offences. These include 15 charges of murder and one count of committing a act of terrorism. He is expected to face court in April.
Immigration Information
In the aftermath following the attack, immigration officials in the Philippines indicated that the father had arrived in the country using an foreign passport, while his son used an Australian passport.
The two had declared the metropolis of Davao as their intended endpoint. Their booked journey back to Australia was for Sydney.
Davao is a expansive urban center on the east of Mindanao, the Philippines' largest island in the south. It is noted that, Islamist militants have been known to operate in impoverished parts of southern and western Mindanao.