Accused Bondi Gunmen Operated Independently and Did Not Preparation in the Philippines, Investigators State.
The pair of accused gunmen who carried out the lethal attack at a Jewish celebration on Bondi Beach, resulting in 15 lives, appear to have been lone actors, according to national law enforcement.
Authorities additionally revealed that the 50-year-old Sajid Akram, and his 24-year-old son Naveed Akram, 24, travelled to the Philippines on 1 November. Their itinerary involved landing in the main city Manila before connecting that same day to Davao City. The father and son flew back to Sydney on 29 November.
No Evidence of Training During Stay
Police indicate the pair did not receive any form of attack-related coaching or "logistical preparation" during their stay in the Philippines. Preliminary findings from local authorities indicate they "hardly ventured out of" their hotel.
The attack—labeled as Australia's most severe firearm massacre since 1996—has been formally classified as a terrorist incident.
"We are actively examining the evidence," she stated, explaining that preliminary evaluations indicate that "the alleged offenders are suspected to have acted alone."
National law enforcement Chief Krissy Barrett briefed reporters on Tuesday that security camera video documenting the accused attackers' movements in the Philippines had been submitted to domestic investigators.
"Our investigation shows little to no indication to indicate these alleged offenders were affiliated with a broader terrorist cell, or were instructed by external parties to execute an attack," she emphasized.
But, the men were likewise not in the Philippines on a leisure trip, Commissioner Barrett noted. She emphasized that, as the probe is continuing, fresh information may surface.
Motivation and Legal Charges
Earlier, the nation's Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said it seems both alleged attackers were "inspired by the so-called Islamic State" extremist views.
During the shooting, Sajid Akram was killed by police. He and his son Naveed—equipped with rifles—are accused of having opened fire on guests at the Jewish festival event.
Naveed Akram, who was hospitalised after the shooting, has been charged with 59 crimes. These comprise 15 charges of murder and one count of carrying out a terrorist act. He is expected to appear in court in April.
Travel Particulars
In the days following the attack, border authorities in the Philippines stated that the father had entered the country using an Indian passport, while his son used an domestic passport.
The pair had stated the metropolis of Davao as their final destination. Their booked return flight to Australia was for Sydney.
Davao is a expansive city on the east of Mindanao, the Philippines' primary island in the south. It is noted that, Militant groups have reportedly operate in poorer parts of southern and western Mindanao.
