Suspected Bondi Beach Shooters Acted Solo and Received No Training in the Southeast Asian Nation, Police Confirm.
The pair of accused gunmen who carried out the fatal shooting at a Jewish event on Bondi Beach, which claimed 15 lives, are believed to have been lone actors, according to national authorities.
Authorities additionally revealed that the 50-year-old Sajid Akram, and his 24-year-old son Naveed Akram, 24, flew to the Philippines on 1 November. Their travel plans involved landing in the main city Manila before transiting on the day of arrival to Davao City. The pair flew back to Sydney on 29 November.
No Evidence of Planning During Trip
Police indicate the individuals did not partake in any form of terrorist coaching or "logistical preparation" during their stay in the Philippines. Initial findings from local officials indicate they "mostly stayed in" their accommodation.
The incident—described as Australia's most severe mass shooting since 1996—has been officially declared a terrorist incident.
"We are currently analyzing the footage," the commissioner stated, noting that preliminary evaluations suggest that "the two men are alleged to have operated independently."
Australian Federal Police Chief Krissy Barrett briefed reporters on Tuesday that CCTV footage documenting the alleged gunmen's activities in the Philippines had been handed over to Australian investigators.
"Our investigation shows little to no indication to suggest these accused individuals were members of a wider network, or were acting on orders from others to perpetrate an act of violence," she emphasized.
But, the men were likewise not necessarily in the Philippines on a leisure trip, the official noted. She emphasized that, as the inquiry is still active, additional details might come to light.
Motivation and Legal Proceedings
Earlier, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said it looks as though both alleged attackers were "motivated by ISIS" ideology.
During the shooting, Sajid Akram was fatally shot by responding officers. He and his son Naveed—reportedly carrying long-barrelled guns—allegedly opened fire on guests at the Jewish festival celebration.
Naveed Akram, who was hospitalised after the shooting, has been charged with 59 offences. These include 15 counts of murder and one count of perpetrating a terrorist act. He is expected to appear in court in April.
Travel Details
In the wake following the attack, immigration officials in the Philippines reported that the older suspect had arrived in the country using an foreign passport, while his son used an domestic passport.
The pair had declared the southern city of Davao as their intended endpoint. Their pre-arranged journey back to Australia was for Sydney.
Davao is a sprawling city on the eastern side of Mindanao, the Philippines' largest island in the south. It is noted that, Islamist fighters have been known to be active in less developed parts of central and south-western Mindanao.
