Accused Bondi Beach Gunmen Operated Independently and Did Not Undergo Training in the Philippines, Investigators Confirm.
The two suspected individuals who carried out the fatal attack at a Jewish celebration on Bondi Beach, that took 15 lives, are believed to have operated independently, per national authorities.
Investigators additionally revealed that the 50-year-old Sajid Akram, and his 24-year-old son Naveed Akram journeyed to the Philippines on 1 November. Their travel plans involved landing in the capital Manila before transiting that same day to Davao City. The father and son flew back to Sydney on 29 November.
No Evidence of Preparation During Trip
Investigators indicate the duo did not undergo any type of attack-related training or "organizing" during their stay in the Philippines. Initial findings from Philippine authorities suggest they "mostly stayed in" their accommodation.
The shooting—declared Australia's deadliest mass shooting since 1996—has been officially designated a terrorist incident.
"Our teams are currently examining the evidence," the commissioner said, noting that preliminary assessments show that "the alleged offenders are believed to have been lone actors."
Australian Federal Police Chief Krissy Barrett informed the press on Tuesday that security camera video tracking the accused attackers' whereabouts in the Philippines had been submitted to Australian authorities.
"There is no evidence to suggest these suspects were affiliated with a larger organization, or were instructed by external parties to execute an attack," the police chief emphasized.
However, the men were likewise not necessarily in the Philippines as tourists, she noted. She stressed that, given that the investigation is still active, new evidence could surface.
Motivation and Court Proceedings
Earlier, the nation's Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said it appears both alleged attackers were "inspired by ISIS" extremist views.
During the shooting, Sajid Akram was fatally shot by police. He and his son Naveed—reportedly carrying firearms—are accused of having targeted attendees at the Jewish festival celebration.
Naveed Akram, who was injured and taken to hospital after the shooting, has been charged with 59 charges. These encompass 15 counts of murder and one count of carrying out a act of terrorism. He is scheduled to appear in court in April.
Travel Details
In the wake following the attack, border authorities in the Philippines reported that the father had arrived in the country using an foreign passport, while his younger suspect used an domestic passport.
The duo had stated the southern city of Davao as their final destination. Their pre-arranged journey back to Australia was for Sydney.
Davao is a large urban center on the east of Mindanao, the Philippines' primary southern island. It is noted that, Militant groups have reportedly be active in less developed parts of southern and western Mindanao.
