Suspected Bondi Beach Gunmen Acted Alone and Received No Preparation in the Southeast Asian Nation, Police Say.
The two suspected individuals responsible for the deadly incident at a Jewish event on Bondi Beach, that took 15 lives, reportedly operated independently, according to Australian police.
Investigators further stated that Sajid Akram, 50, and his 24-year-old son Naveed Akram travelled to the Philippines on 1 November. Their travel plans involved arriving in the capital Manila before transiting that same day to Davao City. The pair flew back to Sydney on 29 November.
Lack of Proof of Preparation During Trip
Authorities assert the duo did not receive any form of terrorist coaching or "logistical preparation" during their stay in the Philippines. Initial findings from local officials point to they "hardly ventured out of" their accommodation.
The shooting—labeled as Australia's worst firearm massacre since 1996—has been formally designated a terrorist incident.
"Our teams are actively reviewing the evidence," she stated, explaining that initial evaluations indicate that "these individuals are suspected to have operated independently."
National law enforcement Commissioner Krissy Barrett told the press on Tuesday that security camera video documenting the accused attackers' movements in the Philippines had been submitted to Australian investigators.
"There is no evidence to suggest these suspects were affiliated with a wider organization, or were directed by overseas entities to carry out an act of violence," Commissioner Barrett stated.
But, the men were likewise not in the Philippines for tourism, the official added. She emphasized that, given that the inquiry is ongoing, fresh information might surface.
Motivation and Legal Charges
Previously, Australian leader Anthony Albanese said it appears both alleged attackers were "influenced by the so-called Islamic State" extremist views.
During the attack, Sajid Akram was shot dead by responding officers. He and his son Naveed—both armed with rifles—allegedly shot attendees at the Jewish festival celebration.
Naveed Akram, who was injured and taken to hospital after the attack, has been charged with 59 charges. These comprise 15 charges of murder and one count of carrying out a act of terrorism. He is scheduled to face court in April.
Travel Particulars
In the days following the shooting, border authorities in the Philippines stated that the father had arrived in the country using an Indian passport, while his son used an domestic passport.
The two had listed the southern city of Davao as their final destination. Their pre-arranged return flight to Australia was for Sydney.
Davao is a expansive city on the east of Mindanao, the Philippines' main southern island. It is noted that, Islamist militants have been known to operate in less developed parts of southern and western Mindanao.
