Alleged Bondi Attackers Operated Independently and Did Not Preparation in the Philippines, Authorities Say.
The two suspected gunmen responsible for the lethal shooting at a Hanukkah celebration on Bondi Beach, resulting in 15 lives, reportedly been lone actors, as stated by Australian police.
Authorities 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 transiting on the day of arrival to Davao City. The father and son returned to Sydney on 29 November.
No Evidence of Preparation During Trip
Authorities assert the duo did not undergo any type of terrorist coaching or "organizing" during their visit in the Philippines. Preliminary findings from local officials indicate they "hardly ventured out of" their accommodation.
The attack—labeled as Australia's deadliest mass shooting since 1996—has been officially classified as a terrorist incident.
"We are actively analyzing the footage," the commissioner stated, explaining that initial assessments show that "the alleged offenders are alleged to have acted alone."
Australian Federal Police Commissioner Krissy Barrett briefed media on Tuesday that security camera video tracking the alleged gunmen's whereabouts in the Philippines had been submitted to Australian investigators.
"There is little to no indication to suggest these alleged offenders were members of a larger network, or were instructed by overseas entities to execute an act of violence," the police chief said.
Yet, the pair were additionally not necessarily in the Philippines on a leisure trip, Commissioner Barrett noted. She emphasized that, given that the inquiry is continuing, new evidence may emerge.
Ideology and Legal Proceedings
Previously, the nation's leader Anthony Albanese said it looks as though both alleged attackers were "influenced by ISIS" ideology.
During the shooting, Sajid Akram was killed by responding officers. He and his son Naveed—both armed with firearms—allegedly opened fire on participants at the Hanukkah event.
Naveed Akram, who was hospitalised after the attack, has been formally accused of 59 charges. These comprise 15 counts of murder and one count of perpetrating a act of terrorism. He is scheduled to face court in April.
Travel Details
In the days following the shooting, immigration authorities in the Philippines reported that the older suspect had entered the country using an foreign passport, while his younger suspect used an Australian passport.
The two had stated the metropolis of Davao as their intended endpoint. Their scheduled return flight to Australia was for Sydney.
Davao is a sprawling urban center on the eastern side of Mindanao, the Philippines' largest southern island. It is noted that, Islamist militants have reportedly operate in impoverished parts of southern and western Mindanao.
