Alleged Bondi Beach Attackers Operated Solo and Did Not Instruction in the Philippines, Investigators Say.
The pair of accused attackers who carried out the fatal attack at a Jewish gathering on Bondi Beach, resulting in 15 lives, appear to have operated independently, as stated by Australian law enforcement.
Authorities further stated that Sajid Akram, 50, and his 24-year-old son Naveed Akram 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 flew back to Sydney on 29 November.
No Evidence of Preparation During Visit
Police indicate the individuals did not partake in any form of terrorist coaching or "planning" during their time in the Philippines. Initial inquiries from local authorities point to they "rarely left" their accommodation.
The shooting—labeled as Australia's most severe mass shooting since 1996—has been formally declared a terrorist incident.
"Our teams are currently reviewing the footage," the commissioner stated, adding that early reviews show that "the alleged offenders are suspected to have acted alone."
National law enforcement Commissioner Krissy Barrett informed the press on Tuesday that security camera video documenting the alleged gunmen's activities in the Philippines had been handed over to Australian authorities.
"Our investigation shows no evidence to suggest these accused individuals were part of a wider organization, or were directed by others to carry out an attack," she stated.
Yet, the men were also not in the Philippines as tourists, the official added. She stressed that, as the inquiry is still active, fresh information may come to light.
Inspiration and Court Charges
Earlier, Australian leader Anthony Albanese commented it looks as though both accused gunmen were "inspired by Islamic State" extremist views.
During the shooting, Sajid Akram was killed by police. He and his son Naveed—equipped with firearms—allegedly targeted participants at the Hanukkah event.
Naveed Akram, who was wounded after the attack, has been formally accused of 59 offences. These encompass 15 counts of murder and one count of carrying out a terrorist act. He is expected to face court in April.
Immigration Details
In the wake following the shooting, immigration officials in the Philippines indicated that the older suspect had arrived in the country using an foreign passport, while his younger suspect used an domestic passport.
The duo had declared the metropolis of Davao as their final destination. Their scheduled return flight to Australia was for Sydney.
Davao is a expansive city on the eastern side of Mindanao, the Philippines' primary island in the south. It is noted that, Militant militants have been known to be active in less developed parts of southern and western Mindanao.