Suspected Bondi Gunmen Operated Solo and Did Not Instruction in the Philippines, Investigators Say.
The two suspected individuals responsible for the lethal incident at a Hanukkah celebration on Bondi Beach, that took 15 lives, reportedly been lone actors, per Australian authorities.
Police further stated that the 50-year-old Sajid Akram, and his 24-year-old son Naveed Akram, 24, travelled to the Philippines on 1 November. Their itinerary included arriving in the capital Manila before connecting on the day of arrival to Davao City. The father and son flew back to Sydney on 29 November.
Lack of Proof of Training During Stay
Authorities have stated the individuals did not receive any type of terrorist instruction or "planning" during their stay in the Philippines. Initial inquiries from local officials indicate they "hardly ventured out of" their hotel.
The attack—described as Australia's deadliest mass shooting since 1996—has been formally classified as a act of terrorism.
"Our teams are currently examining the footage," the commissioner stated, adding that early assessments show that "these individuals are believed to have acted alone."
Australian Federal Police Chief Krissy Barrett told media on Tuesday that CCTV footage showing the alleged gunmen's whereabouts in the Philippines had been handed over to Australian authorities.
"Our investigation shows little to no indication to indicate these alleged offenders were affiliated with a broader terrorist cell, or were acting on orders from others to perpetrate an attack," she said.
But, the duo were additionally not in the Philippines as tourists, she added. She stressed that, since the probe is continuing, additional details might come to light.
Ideology and Court Proceedings
Earlier, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese remarked it seems both alleged attackers were "inspired by the so-called Islamic State" beliefs.
During the attack, Sajid Akram was killed by responding officers. He and his son Naveed—equipped with firearms—allegedly targeted attendees at the Jewish festival celebration.
Naveed Akram, who was wounded after the attack, has been charged with 59 charges. These encompass 15 charges of murder and one count of carrying out a terrorist act. He is due to appear in court in April.
Travel Information
In the wake following the attack, immigration officials in the Philippines stated that the older suspect had arrived in the country using an foreign passport, while his son used an Australian passport.
The duo had stated the southern city of Davao as their final destination. Their scheduled return flight to Australia was for Sydney.
Davao is a expansive metropolis on the east of Mindanao, the Philippines' primary southern island. It is noted that, Militant fighters have reportedly be active in impoverished parts of central and south-western Mindanao.
