Alleged Bondi Shooters Operated Alone and Received No Preparation in the Southeast Asian Nation, Investigators Say.
The pair of accused individuals responsible for the lethal shooting at a Hanukkah event on Bondi Beach, which claimed 15 lives, are believed to have operated independently, according to national law enforcement.
Police 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 main city Manila before transiting on the day of arrival to Davao City. The duo flew back to Sydney on 29 November.
No Evidence of Training During Trip
Investigators have stated the individuals did not receive any form of terrorist training or "planning" during their time in the Philippines. Initial findings from local officials indicate they "mostly stayed in" their hotel.
The attack—labeled as Australia's worst firearm massacre since 1996—has been formally designated a act of terrorism.
"We are actively reviewing the material," the commissioner stated, adding that initial assessments indicate that "the alleged offenders are believed to have been lone actors."
Australian Federal Police Chief Krissy Barrett briefed media on Tuesday that CCTV footage documenting the accused attackers' activities in the Philippines had been provided to domestic authorities.
"Our investigation shows little to no indication to support the idea these accused individuals were members of a broader terrorist cell, or were directed by external parties to execute an attack," she said.
Yet, the duo were additionally not in the Philippines for tourism, the official noted. She underscored that, given that the probe is ongoing, fresh information may come to light.
Inspiration and Court Charges
Earlier, Australian leader Anthony Albanese remarked it appears both alleged attackers were "inspired by Islamic State" ideology.
During the shooting, Sajid Akram was shot dead by responding officers. He and his son Naveed—reportedly carrying rifles—are accused of having targeted guests at the Hanukkah event.
Naveed Akram, who was wounded after the shooting, has been formally accused of 59 crimes. These comprise 15 charges of murder and one count of carrying out a act of terrorism. He is due to appear in court in April.
Travel Information
In the wake following the shooting, immigration authorities in the Philippines reported that the older suspect had arrived in the country using an Indian passport, while his son used an domestic passport.
The pair had declared the metropolis of Davao as their final destination. Their pre-arranged return flight to Australia was for Sydney.
Davao is a large city on the eastern side of Mindanao, the Philippines' main island in the south. It is noted that, Islamist groups have been known to be active in poorer parts of central and south-western Mindanao.
