Suspected Bondi Attackers Operated Independently and Received No Training in the Philippines, Investigators Say.
The two alleged gunmen responsible for the lethal attack at a Hanukkah gathering on Bondi Beach, which claimed 15 lives, reportedly operated independently, according to national police.
Police additionally revealed that the 50-year-old Sajid Akram, and his 24-year-old son Naveed Akram, 24, flew to the Philippines on 1 November. Their itinerary included landing in the main city Manila before transiting that same day to Davao City. The duo returned to Sydney on 29 November.
No Evidence of Preparation During Visit
Investigators indicate the duo did not partake in any form of attack-related coaching or "planning" during their visit in the Philippines. Early findings from Philippine authorities indicate they "rarely left" their accommodation.
The attack—described as Australia's deadliest mass shooting since 1996—has been formally declared a act of terrorism.
"Our teams are actively analyzing the evidence," she said, adding that early evaluations show that "the alleged offenders are believed to have acted alone."
Australian Federal Police Commissioner Krissy Barrett informed the press on Tuesday that security camera video tracking the accused attackers' activities in the Philippines had been provided to domestic investigators.
"There is no evidence to indicate these accused individuals were affiliated with a broader organization, or were directed by others to execute an incident," the police chief emphasized.
But, the duo were likewise not necessarily in the Philippines on a leisure trip, Commissioner Barrett noted. She stressed that, as the probe is ongoing, additional details might surface.
Ideology and Legal Proceedings
Previously, the nation's leader Anthony Albanese remarked it looks as though both accused gunmen were "influenced by ISIS" extremist views.
During the attack, Sajid Akram was killed by police. He and his son Naveed—reportedly carrying rifles—are accused of having targeted participants at the Hanukkah celebration.
Naveed Akram, who was hospitalised after the shooting, has been formally accused of 59 offences. These encompass 15 counts of murder and one count of carrying out a terrorist act. He is due to appear in court in April.
Immigration Information
In the aftermath 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 Australian passport.
The pair had stated the metropolis of Davao as their intended endpoint. Their booked return flight to Australia was for Sydney.
Davao is a expansive metropolis on the eastern side of Mindanao, the Philippines' primary southern island. Historically, Islamist fighters have been known to be active in less developed parts of southern and western Mindanao.