Suspected Bondi Beach Shooters Operated Independently and Did Not Undergo Preparation in the Southeast Asian Nation, Authorities Confirm.
The pair of accused gunmen responsible for the deadly incident at a Jewish celebration on Bondi Beach, that took 15 lives, appear to have operated independently, as stated by national authorities.
Investigators further stated that Sajid Akram, 50, and his 24-year-old son Naveed Akram, 24, flew to the Philippines on 1 November. Their itinerary involved landing in the capital Manila before traveling onward that same day to Davao City. The father and son returned to Sydney on 29 November.
No Evidence of Preparation During Trip
Police assert the individuals did not partake in any form of terrorist coaching or "logistical preparation" during their visit in the Philippines. Preliminary findings from local officials suggest they "mostly stayed in" their hotel.
The shooting—declared Australia's deadliest firearm massacre since 1996—has been officially classified as a act of terrorism.
"Our teams are currently analyzing the material," the commissioner said, adding that early evaluations suggest that "these individuals are believed to have acted alone."
National law enforcement Commissioner Krissy Barrett briefed the press on Tuesday that security camera video documenting the accused attackers' movements in the Philippines had been submitted to domestic investigators.
"Our investigation shows no evidence to support the idea these accused individuals were part of a larger network, or were directed by others to execute an incident," the police chief said.
However, the pair were likewise not necessarily in the Philippines as tourists, she clarified. She stressed that, given that the investigation is ongoing, new evidence could come to light.
Ideology and Court Charges
In prior statements, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese remarked it seems both alleged gunmen were "influenced by Islamic State" extremist views.
During the shooting, Sajid Akram was killed by responding officers. He and his son Naveed—reportedly carrying rifles—are accused of having opened fire on attendees at the Jewish festival event.
Naveed Akram, who was hospitalised after the attack, has been charged with 59 crimes. These include 15 counts of murder and one count of committing a terrorist act. He is scheduled to face court in April.
Travel Information
In the aftermath following the shooting, immigration authorities in the Philippines stated that the older suspect had entered the country using an Indian passport, while his younger suspect used an domestic passport.
The duo had listed the metropolis of Davao as their intended endpoint. Their booked return flight to Australia was for Sydney.
Davao is a expansive metropolis on the east of Mindanao, the Philippines' primary southern island. The region is known because, Militant fighters have reportedly be active in less developed parts of central and south-western Mindanao.
