Accused Bondi Beach Gunmen Acted Solo and Did Not Undergo Instruction in the Philippines, Investigators State.
The pair of accused attackers who carried out the fatal incident at a Hanukkah event on Bondi Beach, resulting in 15 lives, are believed to have operated independently, according to Australian authorities.
Police further stated that the 50-year-old Sajid Akram, and his son Naveed Akram journeyed to the Philippines on 1 November. Their travel plans involved landing in the capital Manila before transiting on the day of arrival to Davao City. The pair flew back to Sydney on 29 November.
No Evidence of Training During Stay
Authorities indicate the pair did not receive any type of attack-related training or "planning" during their visit in the Philippines. Preliminary inquiries from Philippine authorities indicate they "rarely left" their hotel.
The incident—labeled as Australia's deadliest firearm massacre since 1996—has been officially declared a terrorist incident.
"We are currently examining the material," she stated, explaining that initial assessments suggest that "the two men are alleged to have acted alone."
Australian Federal Police Chief Krissy Barrett informed the press on Tuesday that security camera video showing the accused attackers' movements in the Philippines had been handed over to domestic authorities.
"Our investigation shows little to no indication to indicate these accused individuals were part of a larger network, or were instructed by external parties to execute an incident," the police chief said.
Yet, the duo were also not necessarily in the Philippines for tourism, she clarified. She underscored that, as the investigation is ongoing, additional details could come to light.
Inspiration and Court Proceedings
In prior statements, the nation's Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said it appears both accused attackers were "motivated by ISIS" ideology.
During the shooting, Sajid Akram was shot dead by police. He and his son Naveed—reportedly carrying rifles—allegedly opened fire on participants at the Jewish festival event.
Naveed Akram, who was hospitalised after the shooting, has been formally accused of 59 charges. These comprise 15 counts of murder and one count of committing a terrorist act. He is due to appear in court in April.
Immigration Details
In the aftermath following the shooting, immigration authorities in the Philippines reported that the father had arrived in the country using an foreign passport, while his son used an Australian passport.
The two had stated the metropolis of Davao as their final destination. Their booked journey back to Australia was for Sydney.
Davao is a large urban center on the east of Mindanao, the Philippines' main southern island. Historically, Islamist fighters have reportedly be active in less developed parts of central and south-western Mindanao.
