Accused Bondi Gunmen Acted Alone and Received No Preparation in the Southeast Asian Nation, Investigators Say.
The two suspected attackers responsible for the lethal incident at a Hanukkah gathering on Bondi Beach, which claimed 15 lives, are believed to have acted alone, according to national authorities.
Police additionally revealed that Sajid Akram, 50, and his 24-year-old son Naveed Akram journeyed to the Philippines on 1 November. Their itinerary involved landing in the capital Manila before transiting on the day of arrival to Davao City. The duo flew back to Sydney on 29 November.
Lack of Proof of Training During Stay
Police assert the individuals did not receive any type of terrorist instruction or "logistical preparation" during their time in the Philippines. Preliminary findings from Philippine authorities suggest they "hardly ventured out of" their hotel.
The incident—described as Australia's most severe mass shooting since 1996—has been officially classified as a terrorist incident.
"We are actively analyzing the footage," she stated, explaining that preliminary reviews show that "the two men are believed to have acted alone."
Australian Federal Police Chief Krissy Barrett told reporters on Tuesday that security camera video showing the alleged gunmen's movements in the Philippines had been provided to domestic investigators.
"There is little to no indication to indicate these alleged offenders were affiliated with a broader terrorist cell, or were directed by overseas entities to execute an act of violence," the police chief emphasized.
However, the duo were likewise not in the Philippines on a leisure trip, the official clarified. She emphasized that, as the investigation is ongoing, new evidence might surface.
Motivation and Court Charges
Previously, the nation's leader Anthony Albanese remarked it appears both alleged gunmen were "influenced by ISIS" ideology.
During the incident, Sajid Akram was killed by responding officers. He and his son Naveed—both armed with rifles—are accused of having targeted participants at the Jewish festival event.
Naveed Akram, who was wounded after the shooting, has been formally accused of 59 offences. These encompass 15 counts of murder and one count of committing a terrorist act. He is expected to appear in court in April.
Travel Particulars
In the wake following the shooting, border authorities in the Philippines indicated that the older suspect had arrived in the country using an Indian passport, while his son used an domestic passport.
The pair had listed the southern city of Davao as their final destination. Their pre-arranged return flight to Australia was for Sydney.
Davao is a large city on the east of Mindanao, the Philippines' largest island in the south. The region is known because, Militant militants have reportedly operate in less developed parts of central and south-western Mindanao.
