Suspected Bondi Gunmen Operated Solo and Did Not Instruction in the Southeast Asian Nation, Authorities Say.
The pair of accused attackers responsible for the fatal incident at a Jewish gathering on Bondi Beach, which claimed 15 lives, appear to have been lone actors, per Australian authorities.
Investigators further stated that the 50-year-old Sajid Akram, and his 24-year-old son Naveed Akram journeyed to the Philippines on 1 November. Their itinerary involved arriving in the main city Manila before connecting on the day of arrival to Davao City. The pair returned to Sydney on 29 November.
Lack of Proof of Training During Stay
Authorities assert the pair did not undergo any type of attack-related instruction or "planning" during their visit in the Philippines. Preliminary findings from local officials suggest they "rarely left" their hotel.
The incident—declared Australia's worst firearm massacre since 1996—has been formally classified as a terrorist incident.
"Our teams are actively analyzing the evidence," she said, adding that initial evaluations show that "the alleged offenders are suspected to have acted alone."
National law enforcement Chief Krissy Barrett told media on Tuesday that CCTV footage showing the alleged gunmen's whereabouts in the Philippines had been submitted to domestic investigators.
"Our investigation shows little to no indication to indicate these accused individuals were affiliated with a broader organization, or were instructed by external parties to carry out an act of violence," the police chief emphasized.
But, the men were likewise not necessarily in the Philippines for tourism, she clarified. She underscored that, since the probe is continuing, additional details may surface.
Motivation and Legal Proceedings
Previously, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said it looks as though both accused attackers were "motivated by the so-called Islamic State" extremist views.
During the shooting, Sajid Akram was shot dead by police. He and his son Naveed—reportedly carrying firearms—are accused of having targeted attendees at the Hanukkah celebration.
Naveed Akram, who was injured and taken to hospital after the shooting, has been charged with 59 offences. These comprise 15 charges of murder and one count of carrying out a terrorist act. He is expected to face court in April.
Immigration Particulars
In the aftermath following the attack, border officials in the Philippines stated that the older suspect had arrived in the country using an foreign passport, while his younger suspect used an Australian passport.
The pair had listed the metropolis of Davao as their final destination. Their scheduled return flight to Australia was for Sydney.
Davao is a sprawling metropolis on the eastern side of Mindanao, the Philippines' primary southern island. It is noted that, Islamist militants have reportedly operate in less developed parts of central and south-western Mindanao.
