Accused Bondi Beach Gunmen Acted Independently and Did Not Undergo Preparation in the Southeast Asian Nation, Investigators Say.
The pair of accused attackers responsible for the lethal incident at a Jewish celebration on Bondi Beach, resulting in 15 lives, reportedly operated independently, as stated by Australian authorities.
Police additionally revealed that Sajid Akram, 50, and his son Naveed Akram journeyed to the Philippines on 1 November. Their itinerary included arriving in the main city Manila before transiting that same day to Davao City. The duo returned to Sydney on 29 November.
Lack of Proof of Training During Visit
Police assert the individuals did not undergo any type of attack-related training or "planning" during their visit in the Philippines. Preliminary investigations from local officials indicate they "hardly ventured out of" their accommodation.
The attack—labeled as Australia's deadliest firearm massacre since 1996—has been officially declared a act of terrorism.
"We are actively reviewing the evidence," the commissioner said, noting that early evaluations indicate that "the alleged offenders are suspected to have been lone actors."
National law enforcement Chief Krissy Barrett briefed reporters on Tuesday that surveillance material showing the accused attackers' movements in the Philippines had been submitted to Australian investigators.
"There is little to no indication to indicate these accused individuals were members of a broader organization, or were acting on orders from overseas entities to carry out an act of violence," Commissioner Barrett said.
But, the duo were likewise not necessarily in the Philippines on a leisure trip, she clarified. She emphasized that, as the inquiry is ongoing, new evidence may come to light.
Ideology and Legal Proceedings
Earlier, the nation's Prime Minister Anthony Albanese remarked it seems both accused gunmen were "influenced by the so-called Islamic State" extremist views.
During the shooting, Sajid Akram was killed by police. He and his son Naveed—both armed with firearms—allegedly shot participants at the Jewish festival celebration.
Naveed Akram, who was wounded after the shooting, has been formally accused of 59 crimes. These encompass 15 charges of murder and one count of perpetrating a act of terrorism. He is scheduled to appear in court in April.
Travel Particulars
In the wake following the shooting, border authorities in the Philippines indicated that the older suspect had entered the country using an foreign passport, while his younger suspect used an Australian passport.
The two had listed the metropolis of Davao as their intended endpoint. Their pre-arranged return flight to Australia was for Sydney.
Davao is a expansive urban center on the east of Mindanao, the Philippines' main island in the south. Historically, Militant fighters have reportedly operate in impoverished parts of central and south-western Mindanao.
