Accused Bondi Beach Attackers Operated Independently and Did Not Undergo Training in the Southeast Asian Nation, Police State.
The pair of accused individuals who carried out the deadly attack at a Hanukkah celebration on Bondi Beach, resulting in 15 lives, are believed to have acted alone, according to national police.
Police further stated that Sajid Akram, 50, and his 24-year-old son Naveed Akram, 24, journeyed to the Philippines on 1 November. Their travel plans included landing in the capital Manila before transiting on the day of arrival to Davao City. The father and son flew back to Sydney on 29 November.
Lack of Proof of Preparation During Visit
Police have stated the duo did not partake in any form of attack-related instruction or "planning" during their visit in the Philippines. Preliminary findings from Philippine officials point to they "mostly stayed in" their accommodation.
The incident—labeled as Australia's worst mass shooting since 1996—has been formally declared a terrorist incident.
"We are currently analyzing the footage," the commissioner stated, noting that preliminary assessments indicate that "the two men are suspected to have acted alone."
Australian Federal Police Commissioner Krissy Barrett told reporters on Tuesday that surveillance material showing the alleged gunmen's activities in the Philippines had been submitted to domestic investigators.
"Our investigation shows little to no indication to indicate these alleged offenders were part of a wider network, or were instructed by others to carry out an incident," she emphasized.
Yet, the pair were also not necessarily in the Philippines on a leisure trip, the official clarified. She emphasized that, given that the inquiry is ongoing, additional details may surface.
Motivation and Court Proceedings
In prior statements, the nation's leader Anthony Albanese remarked it looks as though both accused gunmen were "inspired by Islamic State" extremist views.
During the incident, Sajid Akram was shot dead by responding officers. He and his son Naveed—equipped with firearms—allegedly opened fire on participants at the Hanukkah event.
Naveed Akram, who was wounded after the shooting, has been formally accused of 59 crimes. These include 15 charges of murder and one count of carrying out a terrorist act. He is expected to face court in April.
Immigration Information
In the wake following the shooting, immigration officials in the Philippines stated that the father had entered the country using an Indian passport, while his younger suspect used an Australian passport.
The duo had declared the metropolis of Davao as their final destination. Their scheduled 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, Militant militants have reportedly operate in poorer parts of southern and western Mindanao.
