Alleged Bondi Beach Shooters Operated Independently and Received No Preparation in the Southeast Asian Nation, Authorities State.
The two alleged attackers who carried out the fatal incident at a Hanukkah celebration on Bondi Beach, which claimed 15 lives, appear to have operated independently, as stated by national police.
Authorities further stated that Sajid Akram, 50, and his son Naveed Akram, 24, journeyed to the Philippines on 1 November. Their itinerary included landing in the capital Manila before transiting that same day to Davao City. The pair returned to Sydney on 29 November.
No Evidence of Planning During Visit
Police indicate the pair did not receive any form of terrorist coaching or "logistical preparation" during their time in the Philippines. Early inquiries from local officials indicate they "hardly ventured out of" their accommodation.
The attack—described as Australia's deadliest firearm massacre since 1996—has been officially declared a act of terrorism.
"Our teams are actively examining the evidence," she stated, explaining that early reviews show that "the alleged offenders are alleged to have operated independently."
Australian Federal Police Chief Krissy Barrett briefed the press on Tuesday that surveillance material showing the alleged gunmen's movements in the Philippines had been submitted to Australian investigators.
"There is no evidence to indicate these suspects were affiliated with a wider organization, or were instructed by overseas entities to execute an act of violence," she said.
Yet, the pair were additionally not necessarily in the Philippines as tourists, Commissioner Barrett clarified. She underscored that, given that the probe is still active, fresh information might surface.
Ideology and Court Charges
In prior statements, Australian leader Anthony Albanese said it seems both accused attackers were "inspired by Islamic State" extremist views.
During the incident, Sajid Akram was fatally shot by police. He and his son Naveed—both armed with firearms—allegedly shot attendees at the Hanukkah event.
Naveed Akram, who was hospitalised after the shooting, has been charged with 59 crimes. These comprise 15 counts of murder and one count of perpetrating a terrorist act. He is due to appear in court in April.
Immigration Particulars
In the days following the attack, border authorities in the Philippines indicated that the father had arrived in the country using an foreign passport, while his younger suspect used an domestic passport.
The two had listed the metropolis of Davao as their final destination. Their booked journey back to Australia was for Sydney.
Davao is a expansive metropolis on the east of Mindanao, the Philippines' largest southern island. The region is known because, Militant groups have been known to operate in poorer parts of southern and western Mindanao.
