Accused Bondi Beach Attackers Acted Independently and Did Not Undergo Instruction in the Philippines, Investigators Confirm.
The two alleged gunmen responsible for the lethal attack at a Hanukkah gathering on Bondi Beach, which claimed 15 lives, reportedly acted alone, according to Australian authorities.
Authorities further stated that Sajid Akram, 50, and his 24-year-old son Naveed Akram flew to the Philippines on 1 November. Their travel plans involved landing in the main city Manila before traveling onward on the day of arrival to Davao City. The father and son returned to Sydney on 29 November.
No Evidence of Preparation During Visit
Authorities assert the duo did not undergo any type of terrorist training or "organizing" during their stay in the Philippines. Preliminary findings from Philippine officials indicate they "hardly ventured out of" their hotel.
The attack—labeled as Australia's deadliest mass shooting since 1996—has been officially declared a act of terrorism.
"Our teams are actively reviewing the material," she said, noting that preliminary assessments indicate that "the alleged offenders are suspected to have been lone actors."
National law enforcement Commissioner Krissy Barrett informed the press on Tuesday that surveillance material showing the accused attackers' activities in the Philippines had been provided to Australian investigators.
"There is no evidence to indicate these accused individuals were part of a broader terrorist cell, or were acting on orders from external parties to carry out an attack," the police chief emphasized.
But, the pair were likewise not in the Philippines on a leisure trip, she added. She emphasized that, given that the inquiry is continuing, new evidence might come to light.
Ideology and Legal Proceedings
In prior statements, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese remarked it looks as though both alleged attackers were "inspired by ISIS" extremist views.
During the incident, Sajid Akram was fatally shot by police. He and his son Naveed—both armed with rifles—are accused of having opened fire on attendees at the Jewish festival event.
Naveed Akram, who was hospitalised after the shooting, has been formally accused of 59 crimes. These comprise 15 charges of murder and one count of perpetrating a act of terrorism. He is due to appear in court in April.
Immigration Details
In the wake following the shooting, border authorities in the Philippines indicated that the older suspect had entered the country using an Indian passport, while his younger suspect used an Australian passport.
The two had declared the metropolis of Davao as their final destination. Their booked journey back to Australia was for Sydney.
Davao is a expansive urban center on the eastern side of Mindanao, the Philippines' primary island in the south. The region is known because, Militant groups have been known to be active in impoverished parts of southern and western Mindanao.
