Suspected Bondi Shooters Operated Alone and Did Not Preparation in the Philippines, Authorities Say.
The two suspected individuals who carried out the lethal incident at a Hanukkah event on Bondi Beach, which claimed 15 lives, are believed to have operated independently, per Australian authorities.
Police further stated that the 50-year-old Sajid Akram, and his son Naveed Akram journeyed to the Philippines on 1 November. Their travel plans involved arriving in the main city Manila before traveling onward on the day of arrival to Davao City. The duo returned to Sydney on 29 November.
No Evidence of Training During Trip
Investigators have stated the duo did not partake in any form of attack-related training or "logistical preparation" during their stay in the Philippines. Early investigations from local officials suggest they "rarely left" their hotel.
The shooting—declared Australia's worst mass shooting since 1996—has been officially declared a terrorist incident.
"We are actively analyzing the evidence," the commissioner stated, noting that initial assessments show that "the alleged offenders are alleged to have operated independently."
Australian Federal Police Commissioner Krissy Barrett informed media on Tuesday that surveillance material documenting the alleged gunmen's movements in the Philippines had been submitted to Australian authorities.
"Our investigation shows no evidence to indicate these alleged offenders were part of a larger terrorist cell, or were instructed by overseas entities to perpetrate an incident," the police chief stated.
Yet, the men were likewise not in the Philippines for tourism, she noted. She underscored that, since the investigation is still active, new evidence may surface.
Inspiration and Legal Proceedings
Previously, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese remarked it seems both accused attackers were "motivated by ISIS" extremist views.
During the incident, Sajid Akram was killed by responding officers. He and his son Naveed—both armed with long-barrelled guns—allegedly targeted guests at the Hanukkah celebration.
Naveed Akram, who was hospitalised after the shooting, has been charged with 59 offences. These encompass 15 counts of murder and one count of perpetrating a act of terrorism. He is expected to face court in April.
Immigration Information
In the wake following the shooting, border officials in the Philippines stated that the older suspect had arrived in the country using an Indian passport, while his younger suspect used an domestic passport.
The two had declared the metropolis of Davao as their intended endpoint. Their pre-arranged return flight to Australia was for Sydney.
Davao is a expansive urban center on the east of Mindanao, the Philippines' largest island in the south. Historically, Islamist fighters have reportedly be active in less developed parts of central and south-western Mindanao.
