Suspected Bondi Beach Gunmen Operated Independently and Did Not Undergo Training in the Southeast Asian Nation, Investigators Confirm.
The two suspected attackers who carried out the fatal shooting at a Jewish event on Bondi Beach, resulting in 15 lives, are believed to have been lone actors, per Australian authorities.
Investigators further stated that Sajid Akram, 50, and his son Naveed Akram, 24, flew to the Philippines on 1 November. Their travel plans involved landing in the capital Manila before connecting that same day to Davao City. The pair flew back to Sydney on 29 November.
Lack of Proof of Planning During Visit
Investigators assert the duo did not undergo any type of terrorist coaching or "organizing" during their visit in the Philippines. Early inquiries from local officials suggest they "mostly stayed in" their accommodation.
The incident—described as Australia's most severe mass shooting since 1996—has been formally designated a terrorist incident.
"Our teams are actively examining the material," she stated, noting that initial evaluations show that "these individuals are alleged to have acted alone."
Australian Federal Police Chief Krissy Barrett told the press on Tuesday that security camera video showing the accused attackers' activities in the Philippines had been provided to domestic investigators.
"Our investigation shows no evidence to indicate these alleged offenders were members of a broader organization, or were acting on orders from external parties to carry out an act of violence," the police chief emphasized.
Yet, the pair were additionally not necessarily in the Philippines as tourists, the official added. She underscored that, as the investigation is still active, fresh information may emerge.
Ideology and Court Proceedings
Earlier, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese remarked it seems both alleged attackers were "influenced by Islamic State" extremist views.
During the shooting, Sajid Akram was shot dead by police. He and his son Naveed—both armed with long-barrelled guns—are accused of having opened fire on attendees at the Hanukkah celebration.
Naveed Akram, who was hospitalised after the shooting, has been charged with 59 offences. These include 15 charges of murder and one count of perpetrating a terrorist act. He is due to face court in April.
Travel Information
In the wake following the shooting, 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 listed the metropolis of Davao as their intended endpoint. Their scheduled return flight to Australia was for Sydney.
Davao is a expansive city on the eastern side of Mindanao, the Philippines' largest southern island. Historically, Militant groups have reportedly be active in less developed parts of central and south-western Mindanao.
