Alleged Bondi Beach Shooters Operated Independently and Did Not Undergo Instruction in the Southeast Asian Nation, Authorities Say.
The two suspected attackers who carried out the lethal incident at a Hanukkah celebration on Bondi Beach, resulting in 15 lives, are believed to have been lone actors, per national law enforcement.
Authorities 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 main city Manila before connecting that same day to Davao City. The duo returned to Sydney on 29 November.
Lack of Proof of Training During Trip
Investigators indicate the duo did not undergo any form of attack-related coaching or "planning" during their time in the Philippines. Preliminary findings from local authorities point to they "mostly stayed in" their accommodation.
The shooting—declared Australia's most severe firearm massacre since 1996—has been formally declared a terrorist incident.
"Our teams are currently reviewing the material," she said, explaining that early assessments show that "the alleged offenders are believed to have acted alone."
National law enforcement Chief Krissy Barrett briefed the press on Tuesday that surveillance material documenting the alleged gunmen's activities in the Philippines had been provided to domestic investigators.
"Our investigation shows little to no indication to suggest these suspects were affiliated with a broader terrorist cell, or were acting on orders from external parties to perpetrate an attack," she said.
But, the pair were likewise not in the Philippines for tourism, she added. She stressed that, given that the investigation is still active, fresh information may emerge.
Ideology and Legal Charges
Earlier, the nation's Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said it seems both accused gunmen were "inspired by Islamic State" beliefs.
During the shooting, Sajid Akram was shot dead by responding officers. He and his son Naveed—reportedly carrying long-barrelled guns—allegedly targeted guests at the Hanukkah celebration.
Naveed Akram, who was injured and taken to hospital after the shooting, has been formally accused of 59 charges. These encompass 15 charges of murder and one count of perpetrating a act of terrorism. He is scheduled to appear in court in April.
Immigration Particulars
In the aftermath following the shooting, immigration officials in the Philippines indicated that the older suspect had entered the country using an foreign passport, while his son used an Australian passport.
The two had declared the metropolis of Davao as their final destination. Their scheduled return flight to Australia was for Sydney.
Davao is a large metropolis on the eastern side of Mindanao, the Philippines' primary southern island. Historically, Islamist fighters have reportedly be active in impoverished parts of southern and western Mindanao.
