Accused Bondi Gunmen Operated Alone and Received No Preparation in the Southeast Asian Nation, Authorities State.
The two suspected attackers responsible for the deadly shooting at a Hanukkah celebration on Bondi Beach, resulting in 15 lives, are believed to have operated independently, as stated by national law enforcement.
Investigators additionally revealed that Sajid Akram, 50, and his 24-year-old son Naveed Akram, 24, travelled to the Philippines on 1 November. Their itinerary involved arriving in the main city Manila before transiting on the day of arrival to Davao City. The duo returned to Sydney on 29 November.
Lack of Proof of Preparation During Trip
Authorities indicate the pair did not receive any form of terrorist training or "logistical preparation" during their visit in the Philippines. Initial inquiries from local authorities indicate they "rarely left" their accommodation.
The attack—declared Australia's deadliest firearm massacre since 1996—has been formally classified as a terrorist incident.
"Our teams are currently examining the material," she stated, noting that preliminary reviews suggest that "these individuals are suspected to have been lone actors."
National law enforcement Commissioner Krissy Barrett told the press on Tuesday that CCTV footage documenting the alleged gunmen's whereabouts in the Philippines had been submitted to Australian investigators.
"Our investigation shows no evidence to support the idea these suspects were part of a broader network, or were directed by external parties to carry out an incident," she stated.
Yet, the duo were also not in the Philippines as tourists, she clarified. She stressed that, as the inquiry is continuing, additional details could come to light.
Inspiration and Legal Charges
Earlier, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said it appears both accused attackers were "influenced by the so-called Islamic State" ideology.
During the shooting, Sajid Akram was fatally shot by police. He and his son Naveed—equipped with rifles—are accused of having opened fire on guests at the Hanukkah event.
Naveed Akram, who was injured and taken to hospital after the shooting, has been charged with 59 offences. These comprise 15 counts of murder and one count of carrying out a terrorist act. He is expected to face court in April.
Travel Details
In the days following the attack, immigration officials in the Philippines reported that the father had arrived in 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 pre-arranged journey back to Australia was for Sydney.
Davao is a large city on the east of Mindanao, the Philippines' largest southern island. It is noted that, Islamist militants have been known to be active in impoverished parts of southern and western Mindanao.