Accused Bondi Beach Gunmen Acted Alone and Did Not Undergo Instruction in the Southeast Asian Nation, Authorities State.
The pair of accused individuals who carried out the lethal shooting at a Hanukkah celebration on Bondi Beach, which claimed 15 lives, are believed to have been lone actors, according to national law enforcement.
Authorities further stated that the 50-year-old Sajid Akram, and his 24-year-old son Naveed Akram, 24, journeyed to the Philippines on 1 November. Their itinerary included landing in the capital Manila before traveling onward on the day of arrival to Davao City. The duo flew back to Sydney on 29 November.
Lack of Proof of Training During Visit
Authorities indicate the pair did not undergo any type of attack-related instruction or "organizing" during their visit in the Philippines. Preliminary findings from Philippine officials point to they "mostly stayed in" their accommodation.
The incident—described as Australia's most severe firearm massacre since 1996—has been officially designated a terrorist incident.
"Our teams are currently reviewing the material," the commissioner said, explaining that initial reviews indicate that "the alleged offenders are alleged to have operated independently."
Australian Federal Police Chief Krissy Barrett informed media on Tuesday that CCTV footage showing the accused attackers' activities in the Philippines had been handed over to Australian authorities.
"There is no evidence to suggest these alleged offenders were members of a larger network, or were directed by external parties to perpetrate an act of violence," Commissioner Barrett stated.
Yet, the men were also not necessarily in the Philippines as tourists, Commissioner Barrett clarified. She emphasized that, as the investigation is ongoing, additional details may surface.
Inspiration and Legal Charges
In prior statements, the nation's leader Anthony Albanese commented it seems both alleged gunmen were "motivated by ISIS" ideology.
During the attack, Sajid Akram was fatally shot by police. He and his son Naveed—equipped with long-barrelled guns—allegedly targeted participants at the Jewish festival event.
Naveed Akram, who was wounded after the attack, has been charged with 59 charges. These include 15 counts of murder and one count of committing a act of terrorism. He is expected to appear in court in April.
Immigration Particulars
In the aftermath following the shooting, border officials 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 duo had listed the southern city of Davao as their intended endpoint. Their pre-arranged return flight to Australia was for Sydney.
Davao is a large metropolis on the eastern side of Mindanao, the Philippines' main southern island. The region is known because, Islamist groups have been known to operate in less developed parts of central and south-western Mindanao.
