Accused Bondi Beach Attackers Operated Alone and Did Not Training in the Southeast Asian Nation, Police Confirm.
The two alleged gunmen who carried out the fatal incident at a Jewish celebration on Bondi Beach, resulting in 15 lives, reportedly been lone actors, per Australian authorities.
Investigators also confirmed that the 50-year-old Sajid Akram, and his 24-year-old son Naveed Akram, 24, travelled to the Philippines on 1 November. Their travel plans included landing in the capital Manila before transiting that same day to Davao City. The duo flew back to Sydney on 29 November.
Lack of Proof of Training During Visit
Authorities have stated the pair did not receive any type of terrorist coaching or "planning" during their visit in the Philippines. Initial inquiries from Philippine officials indicate they "mostly stayed in" their hotel.
The incident—labeled as Australia's deadliest mass shooting since 1996—has been officially classified as a act of terrorism.
"Our teams are currently reviewing the evidence," the commissioner said, explaining that preliminary reviews show that "the alleged offenders are believed to have acted alone."
Australian Federal Police Commissioner Krissy Barrett told the press on Tuesday that security camera video tracking the accused attackers' whereabouts in the Philippines had been handed over to Australian authorities.
"There is no evidence to suggest these alleged offenders were affiliated with a broader organization, or were instructed by others to perpetrate an act of violence," Commissioner Barrett stated.
Yet, the pair were likewise not in the Philippines on a leisure trip, the official added. She emphasized that, since the probe is ongoing, additional details might come to light.
Inspiration and Legal Charges
In prior statements, the nation's Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said it seems both accused gunmen were "influenced by the so-called Islamic State" ideology.
During the shooting, Sajid Akram was shot dead by police. He and his son Naveed—reportedly carrying firearms—allegedly targeted attendees at the Hanukkah celebration.
Naveed Akram, who was wounded after the shooting, has been formally accused of 59 crimes. These include 15 charges of murder and one count of committing a act of terrorism. He is expected to face court in April.
Immigration Particulars
In the aftermath following the shooting, immigration authorities in the Philippines indicated that the older suspect had entered the country using an Indian passport, while his younger suspect used an Australian passport.
The pair had stated the southern city of Davao as their final destination. Their scheduled journey back to Australia was for Sydney.
Davao is a large urban center on the east of Mindanao, the Philippines' main southern island. The region is known because, Islamist groups have been known to be active in less developed parts of central and south-western Mindanao.
