Accused Bondi Beach Shooters Operated Alone and Did Not Undergo Training in the Southeast Asian Nation, Authorities Confirm.
The two alleged attackers who carried out the lethal shooting at a Hanukkah gathering on Bondi Beach, resulting in 15 lives, are believed to have operated independently, per Australian police.
Police additionally revealed that Sajid Akram, 50, and his 24-year-old son Naveed Akram, 24, travelled to the Philippines on 1 November. Their travel plans involved arriving in the capital Manila before traveling onward that same day to Davao City. The pair returned to Sydney on 29 November.
No Evidence of Planning During Trip
Authorities indicate the duo did not undergo any form of terrorist coaching or "planning" during their time in the Philippines. Preliminary findings from local officials point to they "rarely left" their accommodation.
The incident—labeled as Australia's worst mass shooting since 1996—has been formally declared a terrorist incident.
"Our teams are actively examining the material," she said, explaining that early assessments indicate that "the two men are alleged to have acted alone."
Australian Federal Police Commissioner Krissy Barrett informed reporters on Tuesday that CCTV footage tracking the alleged gunmen's movements in the Philippines had been handed over to Australian authorities.
"Our investigation shows no evidence to support the idea these suspects were affiliated with a larger network, or were instructed by overseas entities to execute an act of violence," the police chief emphasized.
But, the pair were additionally not in the Philippines for tourism, the official noted. She stressed that, as the probe is continuing, fresh information might come to light.
Ideology and Legal Proceedings
Earlier, the nation's leader Anthony Albanese said it seems both accused gunmen were "inspired by Islamic State" beliefs.
During the attack, Sajid Akram was shot dead by responding officers. He and his son Naveed—reportedly carrying firearms—allegedly shot participants at the Jewish festival event.
Naveed Akram, who was injured and taken to hospital after the shooting, has been charged with 59 offences. These encompass 15 charges of murder and one count of perpetrating a terrorist act. He is due to face court in April.
Travel Particulars
In the wake following the shooting, border officials in the Philippines indicated that the older suspect had entered the country using an foreign 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 east of Mindanao, the Philippines' largest island in the south. The region is known because, Militant groups have reportedly be active in poorer parts of central and south-western Mindanao.
