Alleged Bondi Beach Shooters Operated Solo and Did Not Undergo Instruction in the Southeast Asian Nation, Authorities Confirm.
The pair of accused individuals who carried out the fatal shooting at a Hanukkah event on Bondi Beach, that took 15 lives, reportedly operated independently, according to Australian law enforcement.
Investigators additionally revealed that Sajid Akram, 50, and his son Naveed Akram, 24, journeyed to the Philippines on 1 November. Their itinerary involved landing in the main city Manila before transiting that same day to Davao City. The pair flew back to Sydney on 29 November.
Lack of Proof of Preparation During Stay
Investigators assert the individuals did not undergo any type of terrorist coaching or "planning" during their stay in the Philippines. Preliminary investigations from Philippine officials suggest they "mostly stayed in" their hotel.
The incident—declared Australia's deadliest mass shooting since 1996—has been officially classified as a act of terrorism.
"We are currently examining the footage," the commissioner stated, adding that preliminary reviews suggest that "the alleged offenders are suspected to have acted alone."
National law enforcement Commissioner Krissy Barrett briefed reporters on Tuesday that CCTV footage documenting the alleged gunmen's whereabouts in the Philippines had been provided to Australian authorities.
"Our investigation shows little to no indication to support the idea these alleged offenders were affiliated with a larger organization, or were acting on orders from overseas entities to carry out an act of violence," the police chief said.
However, the pair were also not in the Philippines on a leisure trip, she noted. She stressed that, since the inquiry is still active, additional details may surface.
Inspiration and Court Proceedings
Earlier, Australian leader Anthony Albanese remarked it looks as though both accused gunmen were "inspired by ISIS" extremist views.
During the attack, Sajid Akram was shot dead by responding officers. He and his son Naveed—both armed with firearms—allegedly shot participants at the Hanukkah celebration.
Naveed Akram, who was wounded after the attack, has been charged with 59 charges. These comprise 15 charges of murder and one count of committing a terrorist act. He is due to face court in April.
Travel Details
In the days following the attack, border officials in the Philippines indicated that the older suspect had arrived in the country using an foreign passport, while his younger suspect used an Australian passport.
The two had declared the metropolis of Davao as their final destination. Their pre-arranged journey back to Australia was for Sydney.
Davao is a expansive metropolis on the eastern side of Mindanao, the Philippines' largest island in the south. It is noted that, Islamist militants have been known to be active in less developed parts of central and south-western Mindanao.
