Alleged Bondi Attackers Acted Independently and Did Not Undergo Instruction in the Southeast Asian Nation, Authorities Confirm.
The two alleged attackers responsible for the lethal shooting at a Jewish event on Bondi Beach, resulting in 15 lives, appear to have acted alone, as stated by Australian authorities.
Investigators additionally revealed that the 50-year-old Sajid Akram, and his 24-year-old son Naveed Akram flew to the Philippines on 1 November. Their itinerary included arriving in the main city Manila before traveling onward on the day of arrival to Davao City. The father and son flew back to Sydney on 29 November.
No Evidence of Planning During Visit
Investigators assert the pair did not partake in any form of terrorist training or "planning" during their time in the Philippines. Preliminary investigations from local authorities suggest they "hardly ventured out of" their accommodation.
The incident—described as Australia's most severe mass shooting since 1996—has been formally declared a act of terrorism.
"We are currently reviewing the footage," she stated, noting that preliminary assessments show that "the alleged offenders are alleged to have been lone actors."
Australian Federal Police Commissioner Krissy Barrett informed media on Tuesday that CCTV footage tracking the alleged gunmen's activities in the Philippines had been handed over to domestic investigators.
"There is no evidence to indicate these alleged offenders were members of a broader terrorist cell, or were acting on orders from overseas entities to perpetrate an incident," she emphasized.
However, the pair were additionally not necessarily in the Philippines as tourists, the official added. She emphasized that, as the probe is ongoing, fresh information may come to light.
Motivation and Court Proceedings
In prior statements, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said it looks as though both alleged attackers were "influenced by the so-called Islamic State" beliefs.
During the attack, Sajid Akram was shot dead by police. He and his son Naveed—reportedly carrying rifles—allegedly opened fire on participants at the Jewish festival event.
Naveed Akram, who was wounded after the attack, has been charged with 59 charges. These comprise 15 charges of murder and one count of perpetrating a terrorist act. He is expected to face court in April.
Travel Particulars
In the days following the shooting, border authorities in the Philippines indicated that the father had arrived in the country using an Indian passport, while his younger suspect used an domestic passport.
The pair had listed the metropolis of Davao as their intended endpoint. Their booked journey back to Australia was for Sydney.
Davao is a expansive urban center on the east of Mindanao, the Philippines' main island in the south. The region is known because, Militant fighters have reportedly operate in impoverished parts of southern and western Mindanao.
