Accused Bondi Beach Shooters Acted Alone and Did Not Training in the Southeast Asian Nation, Investigators Confirm.
The two alleged gunmen who carried out the fatal attack at a Hanukkah gathering on Bondi Beach, that took 15 lives, appear to have been lone actors, according to Australian authorities.
Police also confirmed that the 50-year-old Sajid Akram, and his son Naveed Akram, 24, travelled to the Philippines on 1 November. Their travel plans included landing in the capital Manila before traveling onward that same day to Davao City. The pair flew back to Sydney on 29 November.
No Evidence of Training During Stay
Police have stated the individuals did not partake in any form of terrorist training or "logistical preparation" during their visit in the Philippines. Early inquiries from Philippine authorities point to they "rarely left" their accommodation.
The shooting—labeled as Australia's most severe mass shooting since 1996—has been formally declared a act of terrorism.
"We are currently analyzing the footage," the commissioner stated, noting that preliminary evaluations indicate that "these individuals are suspected to have operated independently."
National law enforcement Chief Krissy Barrett informed the press on Tuesday that security camera video documenting the accused attackers' movements in the Philippines had been submitted to Australian authorities.
"Our investigation shows no evidence to indicate these accused individuals were affiliated with a larger terrorist cell, or were acting on orders from external parties to carry out an attack," she stated.
But, the duo were also not in the Philippines as tourists, Commissioner Barrett added. She underscored that, since the probe is ongoing, additional details may emerge.
Inspiration and Legal Charges
Previously, Australian leader Anthony Albanese said it appears both alleged gunmen were "influenced by the so-called Islamic State" ideology.
During the incident, Sajid Akram was killed by police. He and his son Naveed—reportedly carrying firearms—are accused of having shot attendees at the Jewish festival event.
Naveed Akram, who was injured and taken to hospital after the shooting, has been formally accused of 59 charges. These include 15 charges of murder and one count of carrying out a terrorist act. He is due to face court in April.
Immigration Details
In the wake following the shooting, border authorities in the Philippines reported 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 final destination. Their pre-arranged journey back to Australia was for Sydney.
Davao is a large urban center on the eastern side of Mindanao, the Philippines' largest island in the south. It is noted that, Militant groups have reportedly operate in less developed parts of central and south-western Mindanao.
