Alleged Bondi Gunmen Operated Independently and Did Not Training in the Southeast Asian Nation, Authorities State.
The pair of accused attackers responsible for the deadly incident at a Jewish celebration on Bondi Beach, that took 15 lives, reportedly been lone actors, according to national law enforcement.
Police additionally revealed that Sajid Akram, 50, and his son Naveed Akram journeyed to the Philippines on 1 November. Their itinerary included arriving in the main city Manila before connecting that same day to Davao City. The father and son returned to Sydney on 29 November.
Lack of Proof of Planning During Trip
Investigators indicate the individuals did not receive any form of terrorist coaching or "logistical preparation" during their time in the Philippines. Initial investigations from Philippine authorities suggest they "mostly stayed in" their hotel.
The shooting—described as Australia's worst firearm massacre since 1996—has been formally declared a terrorist incident.
"We are actively reviewing the evidence," she said, explaining that initial assessments suggest that "these individuals are alleged to have operated independently."
Australian Federal Police Commissioner Krissy Barrett informed media on Tuesday that surveillance material documenting the alleged gunmen's whereabouts in the Philippines had been submitted to Australian authorities.
"Our investigation shows no evidence to indicate these suspects were members of a broader terrorist cell, or were acting on orders from external parties to execute an attack," she stated.
Yet, the men were additionally not necessarily in the Philippines on a leisure trip, the official clarified. She underscored that, as the investigation is ongoing, additional details could surface.
Motivation and Legal Proceedings
Previously, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese remarked it appears both accused attackers were "influenced by the so-called Islamic State" extremist views.
During the incident, Sajid Akram was shot dead by responding officers. He and his son Naveed—both armed with rifles—are accused of having targeted participants at the Jewish festival celebration.
Naveed Akram, who was wounded after the attack, has been formally accused of 59 charges. These include 15 charges of murder and one count of committing a terrorist act. He is expected to face court in April.
Travel Particulars
In the days following the attack, border authorities in the Philippines reported that the father had entered the country using an Indian passport, while his son used an Australian passport.
The duo had stated the southern city of Davao as their final destination. Their pre-arranged return flight to Australia was for Sydney.
Davao is a expansive city on the east of Mindanao, the Philippines' primary southern island. It is noted that, Islamist fighters have reportedly be active in less developed parts of southern and western Mindanao.
