Accused Bondi Beach Attackers Acted Independently and Did Not Training in the Philippines, Police Say.
The pair of accused individuals who carried out the deadly incident at a Hanukkah event on Bondi Beach, that took 15 lives, appear to have acted alone, as stated by Australian law enforcement.
Authorities additionally revealed that Sajid Akram, 50, and his son Naveed Akram flew to the Philippines on 1 November. Their itinerary included landing in the capital Manila before transiting that same day to Davao City. The duo returned to Sydney on 29 November.
No Evidence of Planning During Visit
Police have stated the duo did not partake in any form of attack-related coaching or "organizing" during their stay in the Philippines. Preliminary findings from Philippine officials indicate they "rarely left" their accommodation.
The shooting—labeled as Australia's deadliest firearm massacre since 1996—has been officially classified as a act of terrorism.
"We are actively examining the material," the commissioner said, noting that initial reviews indicate that "the alleged offenders are suspected to have been lone actors."
Australian Federal Police Chief Krissy Barrett briefed the press on Tuesday that CCTV footage showing the alleged gunmen's whereabouts in the Philippines had been provided to domestic authorities.
"Our investigation shows little to no indication to suggest these suspects were affiliated with a wider terrorist cell, or were instructed by external parties to carry out an attack," the police chief said.
But, the duo were also not in the Philippines as tourists, she clarified. She stressed that, since the probe is continuing, fresh information may come to light.
Inspiration and Court Charges
In prior statements, the nation's leader Anthony Albanese commented it seems both alleged attackers were "motivated by the so-called Islamic State" extremist views.
During the attack, Sajid Akram was killed by responding officers. He and his son Naveed—equipped with firearms—allegedly opened fire on attendees at the Jewish festival event.
Naveed Akram, who was hospitalised after the shooting, has been formally accused of 59 offences. These comprise 15 counts of murder and one count of carrying out a act of terrorism. He is scheduled to face court in April.
Travel Details
In the aftermath following the shooting, border authorities in the Philippines stated that the older suspect had arrived in the country using an foreign passport, while his younger suspect used an domestic passport.
The two had stated the metropolis of Davao as their intended endpoint. Their booked journey back to Australia was for Sydney.
Davao is a expansive metropolis on the east of Mindanao, the Philippines' largest southern island. The region is known because, Militant groups have reportedly be active in impoverished parts of southern and western Mindanao.