Alleged Bondi Beach Attackers Acted Independently and Did Not Training in the Southeast Asian Nation, Investigators Confirm.
The two suspected gunmen who carried out the fatal incident at a Hanukkah celebration on Bondi Beach, that took 15 lives, reportedly been lone actors, per national law enforcement.
Authorities also confirmed that the 50-year-old Sajid Akram, and his son Naveed Akram journeyed to the Philippines on 1 November. Their travel plans involved arriving in the main city Manila before transiting on the day of arrival to Davao City. The father and son returned to Sydney on 29 November.
No Evidence of Planning During Stay
Investigators have stated the pair did not undergo any form of attack-related training or "logistical preparation" during their stay in the Philippines. Initial investigations from Philippine officials suggest they "rarely left" their accommodation.
The incident—declared Australia's most severe mass shooting since 1996—has been formally declared a act of terrorism.
"We are currently examining the evidence," she said, explaining that initial evaluations suggest that "the alleged offenders are believed to have operated independently."
National law enforcement Commissioner Krissy Barrett briefed media on Tuesday that surveillance material showing the alleged gunmen's movements in the Philippines had been provided to domestic investigators.
"Our investigation shows no evidence to indicate these accused individuals were part of a broader organization, or were directed by external parties to carry out an act of violence," she emphasized.
However, the pair were also not necessarily in the Philippines for tourism, Commissioner Barrett noted. She underscored that, given that the investigation is continuing, new evidence could emerge.
Inspiration and Legal Proceedings
Previously, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese remarked it looks as though both accused attackers were "inspired by the so-called Islamic State" extremist views.
During the shooting, Sajid Akram was fatally shot by responding officers. He and his son Naveed—reportedly carrying long-barrelled guns—are accused of having targeted attendees at the Hanukkah celebration.
Naveed Akram, who was wounded after the attack, has been charged with 59 offences. These comprise 15 charges of murder and one count of perpetrating a act of terrorism. He is due to face court in April.
Travel Information
In the aftermath following the attack, border authorities in the Philippines indicated that the father had entered the country using an Indian passport, while his son used an Australian passport.
The duo had stated the metropolis of Davao as their final destination. Their booked return flight to Australia was for Sydney.
Davao is a sprawling city on the east of Mindanao, the Philippines' main island in the south. The region is known because, Militant groups have reportedly be active in less developed parts of southern and western Mindanao.
