Accused Bondi Gunmen Operated Alone and Received No Preparation in the Southeast Asian Nation, Police Confirm.
The two alleged individuals who carried out the lethal attack at a Hanukkah event on Bondi Beach, that took 15 lives, reportedly been lone actors, per national police.
Authorities also confirmed that Sajid Akram, 50, and his 24-year-old son Naveed Akram flew to the Philippines on 1 November. Their itinerary involved landing in the main city Manila before transiting on the day of arrival to Davao City. The duo returned to Sydney on 29 November.
No Evidence of Training During Visit
Authorities assert the pair did not undergo any form of terrorist training or "logistical preparation" during their stay in the Philippines. Preliminary inquiries from local officials indicate they "rarely left" their hotel.
The attack—described as Australia's deadliest mass shooting since 1996—has been formally designated a terrorist incident.
"Our teams are currently analyzing the footage," she said, explaining that early evaluations suggest that "the alleged offenders are believed to have been lone actors."
National law enforcement Commissioner Krissy Barrett briefed the press on Tuesday that CCTV footage documenting the accused attackers' activities in the Philippines had been provided to domestic authorities.
"Our investigation shows no evidence to suggest these suspects were members of a wider network, or were directed by overseas entities to execute an act of violence," the police chief emphasized.
Yet, the pair were additionally not in the Philippines as tourists, Commissioner Barrett clarified. She underscored that, given that the investigation is continuing, new evidence may emerge.
Inspiration and Court Charges
Previously, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese remarked it appears both accused attackers were "influenced by Islamic State" extremist views.
During the shooting, Sajid Akram was shot dead by responding officers. He and his son Naveed—both armed with long-barrelled guns—allegedly opened fire on attendees at the Hanukkah celebration.
Naveed Akram, who was injured and taken to hospital after the attack, has been charged with 59 charges. These comprise 15 charges of murder and one count of carrying out a terrorist act. He is due to appear in court in April.
Immigration Details
In the aftermath following the shooting, border authorities in the Philippines stated that the father had arrived in the country using an Indian passport, while his son used an Australian passport.
The pair had declared the southern city of Davao as their intended endpoint. Their scheduled journey back to Australia was for Sydney.
Davao is a large city on the east of Mindanao, the Philippines' primary southern island. The region is known because, Islamist militants have reportedly operate in poorer parts of southern and western Mindanao.
