Suspected Bondi Beach Attackers Operated Alone and Did Not Instruction in the Southeast Asian Nation, Police Say.
The pair of accused gunmen who carried out the lethal shooting at a Hanukkah event on Bondi Beach, which claimed 15 lives, are believed to have operated independently, per Australian authorities.
Investigators additionally revealed that the 50-year-old Sajid Akram, and his 24-year-old son Naveed Akram journeyed to the Philippines on 1 November. Their itinerary included arriving in the capital Manila before transiting on the day of arrival to Davao City. The duo returned to Sydney on 29 November.
No Evidence of Planning During Trip
Police have stated the duo did not partake in any type of attack-related coaching or "logistical preparation" during their visit in the Philippines. Early findings from Philippine officials point to they "mostly stayed in" their hotel.
The attack—described as Australia's worst firearm massacre since 1996—has been formally designated a act of terrorism.
"We are currently analyzing the evidence," the commissioner stated, adding that preliminary evaluations indicate that "the two men are suspected to have acted alone."
National law enforcement Chief Krissy Barrett briefed media on Tuesday that security camera video showing the accused attackers' movements in the Philippines had been provided to Australian investigators.
"There is little to no indication to suggest these alleged offenders were affiliated with a wider network, or were instructed by others to perpetrate an attack," Commissioner Barrett emphasized.
But, the pair were additionally not in the Philippines for tourism, she added. She underscored that, as the investigation is continuing, fresh information could emerge.
Motivation and Legal Charges
Previously, the nation's Prime Minister Anthony Albanese commented it appears both alleged gunmen were "inspired by Islamic State" beliefs.
During the incident, Sajid Akram was shot dead by police. He and his son Naveed—equipped with firearms—are accused of having shot participants at the Hanukkah celebration.
Naveed Akram, who was injured and taken to hospital after the shooting, has been formally accused of 59 crimes. These encompass 15 charges of murder and one count of perpetrating a act of terrorism. He is scheduled to face court in April.
Immigration Information
In the days following the shooting, immigration authorities in the Philippines reported that the older suspect had entered the country using an Indian passport, while his younger suspect used an Australian passport.
The pair had declared the metropolis of Davao as their intended endpoint. Their scheduled return flight to Australia was for Sydney.
Davao is a sprawling urban center on the east of Mindanao, the Philippines' main island in the south. The region is known because, Militant groups have reportedly be active in less developed parts of southern and western Mindanao.