Accused Bondi Attackers Acted Independently and Did Not Instruction in the Philippines, Authorities Say.
The two alleged attackers who carried out the lethal incident at a Jewish gathering on Bondi Beach, that took 15 lives, appear to have acted alone, per Australian authorities.
Authorities further stated that the 50-year-old Sajid Akram, and his son Naveed Akram travelled to the Philippines on 1 November. Their itinerary involved landing in the capital Manila before transiting that same day to Davao City. The duo flew back to Sydney on 29 November.
Lack of Proof of Training During Visit
Police assert the pair did not partake in any type of attack-related instruction or "logistical preparation" during their time in the Philippines. Initial investigations from Philippine officials indicate they "rarely left" their accommodation.
The incident—described as Australia's worst mass shooting since 1996—has been officially classified as a act of terrorism.
"Our teams are currently reviewing the material," she stated, adding that early evaluations show that "the two men are suspected to have operated independently."
National law enforcement Commissioner Krissy Barrett briefed the press on Tuesday that surveillance material tracking the alleged gunmen's whereabouts in the Philippines had been submitted to domestic investigators.
"There is little to no indication to suggest these accused individuals were part of a broader network, or were instructed by overseas entities to execute an attack," the police chief stated.
Yet, the duo were additionally not in the Philippines for tourism, she noted. She stressed that, given that the probe is ongoing, new evidence might emerge.
Motivation and Legal Proceedings
Previously, the nation's leader Anthony Albanese commented it seems both alleged attackers were "inspired by ISIS" ideology.
During the attack, Sajid Akram was killed by responding officers. He and his son Naveed—both armed with firearms—allegedly opened fire on participants at the Jewish festival event.
Naveed Akram, who was wounded after the shooting, has been charged with 59 charges. These comprise 15 counts of murder and one count of committing a act of terrorism. He is scheduled to face court in April.
Immigration Information
In the wake following the shooting, immigration officials in the Philippines reported that the older suspect had arrived in the country using an Indian passport, while his younger suspect used an Australian passport.
The pair had listed the southern city of Davao as their final destination. Their scheduled journey back to Australia was for Sydney.
Davao is a large metropolis on the east of Mindanao, the Philippines' main southern island. The region is known because, Islamist fighters have reportedly be active in less developed parts of central and south-western Mindanao.
