Alleged Bondi Attackers Acted Alone and Did Not Instruction in the Philippines, Authorities State.
The two alleged individuals who carried out the fatal shooting at a Jewish celebration on Bondi Beach, that took 15 lives, appear to have been lone actors, according to Australian police.
Authorities additionally revealed that the 50-year-old Sajid Akram, and his son Naveed Akram, 24, flew to the Philippines on 1 November. Their travel plans included landing in the main city Manila before traveling onward that same day to Davao City. The father and son returned to Sydney on 29 November.
Lack of Proof of Training During Trip
Authorities indicate the individuals did not undergo any type of terrorist training or "planning" during their time in the Philippines. Initial findings from local officials indicate they "mostly stayed in" their hotel.
The shooting—described as Australia's worst mass shooting since 1996—has been officially classified as a act of terrorism.
"Our teams are currently reviewing the evidence," the commissioner stated, adding that early reviews indicate that "the alleged offenders are believed to have been lone actors."
National law enforcement Chief Krissy Barrett informed the press on Tuesday that surveillance material showing the accused attackers' whereabouts in the Philippines had been submitted to Australian authorities.
"Our investigation shows no evidence to indicate these alleged offenders were affiliated with a wider network, or were acting on orders from overseas entities to execute an attack," Commissioner Barrett emphasized.
However, the men were likewise not in the Philippines as tourists, she added. She underscored that, given that the inquiry is still active, additional details might surface.
Motivation and Legal Proceedings
Previously, the nation's leader Anthony Albanese commented it appears both alleged attackers were "motivated by the so-called Islamic State" ideology.
During the attack, Sajid Akram was killed by responding officers. He and his son Naveed—equipped with long-barrelled guns—are accused of having shot guests at the Hanukkah event.
Naveed Akram, who was injured and taken to hospital after the attack, has been charged with 59 offences. These include 15 charges of murder and one count of carrying out a act of terrorism. He is scheduled to face court in April.
Immigration Particulars
In the aftermath following the shooting, border officials 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 duo had stated the southern city of Davao as their intended endpoint. Their pre-arranged journey back to Australia was for Sydney.
Davao is a expansive metropolis on the eastern side of Mindanao, the Philippines' main southern island. Historically, Militant militants have been known to operate in less developed parts of southern and western Mindanao.