Accused Bondi Beach Gunmen Acted Solo and Received No Training in the Philippines, Investigators State.
The two suspected attackers responsible for the deadly attack at a Hanukkah gathering on Bondi Beach, resulting in 15 lives, reportedly been lone actors, according to national law enforcement.
Police additionally revealed 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 arriving in the main city Manila before connecting on the day of arrival to Davao City. The duo returned to Sydney on 29 November.
No Evidence of Planning During Stay
Authorities assert the duo did not partake in any form of terrorist coaching or "planning" during their stay in the Philippines. Early inquiries from Philippine authorities point to they "mostly stayed in" their hotel.
The incident—described as Australia's most severe firearm massacre since 1996—has been officially designated a act of terrorism.
"Our teams are currently examining the evidence," the commissioner stated, noting that preliminary evaluations indicate that "the two men are alleged to have acted alone."
National law enforcement Chief Krissy Barrett informed the press on Tuesday that CCTV footage tracking the alleged gunmen's movements in the Philippines had been provided to domestic authorities.
"Our investigation shows little to no indication to suggest these suspects were members of a broader organization, or were instructed by external parties to perpetrate an incident," Commissioner Barrett emphasized.
Yet, the duo were additionally not in the Philippines as tourists, the official added. She stressed that, since the investigation is continuing, additional details could come to light.
Motivation and Legal Charges
In prior statements, the nation's leader Anthony Albanese commented it appears both accused attackers were "influenced by the so-called Islamic State" ideology.
During the attack, Sajid Akram was killed by police. He and his son Naveed—both armed with firearms—allegedly opened fire on participants at the Jewish festival celebration.
Naveed Akram, who was hospitalised after the shooting, has been formally accused of 59 offences. These comprise 15 counts of murder and one count of perpetrating a act of terrorism. He is expected to appear in court in April.
Travel Particulars
In the days following the shooting, border authorities in the Philippines stated that the older suspect had entered the country using an Indian passport, while his son used an domestic passport.
The two had declared the southern city of Davao as their final destination. Their pre-arranged return flight to Australia was for Sydney.
Davao is a sprawling city on the east of Mindanao, the Philippines' main southern island. Historically, Militant groups have been known to be active in less developed parts of central and south-western Mindanao.
