Suspected Bondi Beach Gunmen Acted Solo and Did Not Undergo Instruction in the Philippines, Investigators Confirm.
The two suspected gunmen responsible for the lethal incident at a Jewish celebration on Bondi Beach, which claimed 15 lives, are believed to have operated independently, per Australian authorities.
Police additionally revealed that Sajid Akram, 50, and his son Naveed Akram travelled to the Philippines on 1 November. Their itinerary involved landing in the capital Manila before traveling onward on the day of arrival to Davao City. The duo returned to Sydney on 29 November.
Lack of Proof of Training During Trip
Investigators indicate the individuals did not undergo any type of terrorist coaching or "planning" during their time in the Philippines. Preliminary inquiries from local authorities suggest they "rarely left" their accommodation.
The shooting—labeled as Australia's most severe firearm massacre since 1996—has been officially classified as a act of terrorism.
"We are currently analyzing the material," the commissioner said, explaining that initial reviews show that "these individuals are alleged to have acted alone."
National law enforcement Chief Krissy Barrett informed the press on Tuesday that surveillance material showing the accused attackers' movements in the Philippines had been provided to Australian investigators.
"Our investigation shows little to no indication to indicate these accused individuals were members of a larger organization, or were instructed by external parties to carry out an incident," the police chief stated.
Yet, the men were also not necessarily in the Philippines as tourists, Commissioner Barrett noted. She emphasized that, as the probe is ongoing, new evidence might come to light.
Inspiration and Legal Proceedings
Previously, the nation's Prime Minister Anthony Albanese remarked it seems both alleged attackers were "influenced by ISIS" extremist views.
During the incident, Sajid Akram was shot dead by responding officers. He and his son Naveed—equipped with long-barrelled guns—are accused of having targeted guests at the Jewish festival celebration.
Naveed Akram, who was injured and taken to hospital after the attack, has been charged with 59 crimes. These encompass 15 counts of murder and one count of carrying out a act of terrorism. He is expected to appear in court in April.
Immigration Details
In the days following the attack, immigration authorities in the Philippines stated that the father had entered the country using an Indian passport, while his younger suspect used an domestic passport.
The pair had stated the southern city of Davao as their intended endpoint. Their pre-arranged return flight to Australia was for Sydney.
Davao is a expansive metropolis on the east of Mindanao, the Philippines' main southern island. The region is known because, Islamist militants have been known to operate in poorer parts of central and south-western Mindanao.
