Accused Bondi Attackers Acted Solo and Did Not Training in the Philippines, Police Confirm.
The two suspected individuals who carried out the deadly shooting at a Jewish gathering on Bondi Beach, which claimed 15 lives, appear to have been lone actors, per Australian police.
Police also confirmed that the 50-year-old Sajid Akram, and his son Naveed Akram journeyed to the Philippines on 1 November. Their travel plans included landing in the main city Manila before traveling onward that same day to Davao City. The pair returned to Sydney on 29 November.
Lack of Proof of Planning During Stay
Authorities indicate the pair did not receive any form of attack-related instruction or "planning" during their time in the Philippines. Preliminary findings from local authorities indicate they "mostly stayed in" their accommodation.
The incident—described as Australia's deadliest mass shooting since 1996—has been formally designated a terrorist incident.
"Our teams are actively examining the footage," she stated, adding that early assessments suggest that "the two men are believed to have been lone actors."
National law enforcement Chief Krissy Barrett briefed media on Tuesday that CCTV footage tracking the alleged gunmen's movements in the Philippines had been handed over to domestic authorities.
"Our investigation shows little to no indication to support the idea these alleged offenders were members of a wider network, or were acting on orders from external parties to perpetrate an incident," the police chief emphasized.
Yet, the duo were likewise not in the Philippines as tourists, the official clarified. She emphasized that, since the inquiry is continuing, fresh information could surface.
Inspiration and Legal Charges
Previously, the nation's leader Anthony Albanese said it seems both accused gunmen were "inspired by ISIS" beliefs.
During the shooting, Sajid Akram was shot dead by responding officers. He and his son Naveed—equipped with rifles—are accused of having opened fire on participants at the Hanukkah event.
Naveed Akram, who was injured and taken to hospital after the attack, has been charged with 59 crimes. These comprise 15 charges of murder and one count of perpetrating a act of terrorism. He is expected to appear in court in April.
Travel Particulars
In the wake following the attack, border officials in the Philippines reported that the father had entered the country using an Indian passport, while his son used an domestic passport.
The two had declared 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' main island in the south. The region is known because, Militant fighters have reportedly be active in less developed parts of central and south-western Mindanao.
