Suspected Bondi Beach Shooters Operated Alone and Received No Training in the Southeast Asian Nation, Authorities Say.
The two suspected individuals who carried out the deadly shooting at a Jewish celebration on Bondi Beach, that took 15 lives, reportedly acted alone, as stated by national law enforcement.
Police also confirmed that the 50-year-old Sajid Akram, and his 24-year-old son Naveed Akram, 24, journeyed to the Philippines on 1 November. Their travel plans involved landing in the main city Manila before traveling onward on the day of arrival to Davao City. The pair flew back to Sydney on 29 November.
Lack of Proof of Planning During Stay
Authorities assert the pair did not partake in any form of terrorist training or "logistical preparation" during their time in the Philippines. Initial findings from local officials indicate they "hardly ventured out of" their accommodation.
The incident—labeled as Australia's worst firearm massacre since 1996—has been officially declared a terrorist incident.
"We are actively analyzing the material," the commissioner said, explaining that early reviews show that "the alleged offenders are alleged to have operated independently."
Australian Federal Police Chief Krissy Barrett informed the press on Tuesday that CCTV footage showing the alleged gunmen's movements in the Philippines had been provided to domestic investigators.
"Our investigation shows no evidence to indicate these suspects were members of a wider terrorist cell, or were acting on orders from overseas entities to execute an act of violence," she emphasized.
However, the duo were also not in the Philippines for tourism, she clarified. She underscored that, given that the probe is still active, fresh information may emerge.
Inspiration and Legal Charges
Earlier, the nation's leader Anthony Albanese said it seems both alleged gunmen were "motivated by the so-called Islamic State" beliefs.
During the shooting, Sajid Akram was fatally shot by responding officers. He and his son Naveed—equipped with long-barrelled guns—allegedly shot participants at the Hanukkah event.
Naveed Akram, who was wounded after the attack, has been formally accused of 59 offences. These comprise 15 charges of murder and one count of carrying out a act of terrorism. He is due to face court in April.
Travel Details
In the days following the shooting, border officials in the Philippines stated that the older suspect had arrived in the country using an Indian passport, while his son used an domestic passport.
The pair had stated the southern city of Davao as their final destination. Their pre-arranged return flight to Australia was for Sydney.
Davao is a expansive metropolis on the eastern side of Mindanao, the Philippines' main island in the south. Historically, Islamist militants have been known to operate in poorer parts of southern and western Mindanao.
