Alleged Bondi Shooters Acted Solo and Did Not Training in the Southeast Asian Nation, Investigators Say.
The two suspected individuals who carried out the deadly shooting at a Jewish celebration on Bondi Beach, resulting in 15 lives, reportedly acted alone, as stated by Australian authorities.
Authorities further stated that the 50-year-old Sajid Akram, and his son Naveed Akram, 24, flew to the Philippines on 1 November. Their travel plans included landing in the capital Manila before traveling onward on the day of arrival to Davao City. The pair flew back to Sydney on 29 November.
No Evidence of Preparation During Trip
Police have stated the individuals did not partake in any type of terrorist instruction or "planning" during their stay in the Philippines. Initial findings from local officials point to they "hardly ventured out of" their accommodation.
The attack—declared Australia's most severe mass shooting since 1996—has been formally classified as a terrorist incident.
"We are currently examining the footage," the commissioner stated, adding that preliminary evaluations show that "the two men are suspected to have acted alone."
National law enforcement Commissioner Krissy Barrett informed reporters on Tuesday that security camera video documenting the accused attackers' activities in the Philippines had been handed over to Australian authorities.
"Our investigation shows no evidence to support the idea these alleged offenders were members of a broader terrorist cell, or were directed by others to carry out an act of violence," Commissioner Barrett stated.
However, the pair were additionally not necessarily in the Philippines as tourists, she added. She emphasized that, as the investigation is still active, additional details could come to light.
Inspiration and Court Charges
In prior statements, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese commented it seems both accused gunmen were "influenced by ISIS" ideology.
During the shooting, Sajid Akram was fatally shot by police. He and his son Naveed—both armed with long-barrelled guns—are accused of having targeted participants at the Hanukkah event.
Naveed Akram, who was hospitalised after the attack, has been formally accused of 59 charges. These encompass 15 charges of murder and one count of carrying out a act of terrorism. He is due to appear in court in April.
Immigration Details
In the days following the shooting, immigration officials in the Philippines reported that the father had entered the country using an Indian passport, while his son used an Australian passport.
The duo had listed the southern city of Davao as their final destination. Their booked return flight to Australia was for Sydney.
Davao is a large city on the east of Mindanao, the Philippines' main island in the south. It is noted that, Militant fighters have been known to be active in impoverished parts of southern and western Mindanao.
