Suspected Bondi Beach Gunmen Operated Independently and Did Not Preparation in the Southeast Asian Nation, Authorities Confirm.
The pair of accused individuals who carried out the deadly incident at a Jewish gathering on Bondi Beach, which claimed 15 lives, appear to have operated independently, as stated by Australian law enforcement.
Authorities also confirmed that Sajid Akram, 50, and his son Naveed Akram, 24, flew to the Philippines on 1 November. Their itinerary included arriving in the main city Manila before connecting that same day to Davao City. The father and son returned to Sydney on 29 November.
No Evidence of Preparation During Visit
Investigators have stated the pair did not partake in any form of attack-related coaching or "logistical preparation" during their visit in the Philippines. Preliminary inquiries from local officials point to they "rarely left" their accommodation.
The shooting—labeled as Australia's worst firearm massacre since 1996—has been formally classified as a terrorist incident.
"We are currently examining the material," she said, adding that early assessments suggest that "the two men are believed to have been lone actors."
Australian Federal Police Chief Krissy Barrett informed reporters on Tuesday that security camera video showing the accused attackers' whereabouts in the Philippines had been provided to domestic authorities.
"Our investigation shows little to no indication to indicate these suspects were affiliated with a wider terrorist cell, or were acting on orders from overseas entities to perpetrate an incident," she emphasized.
However, the pair were likewise not necessarily in the Philippines on a leisure trip, the official clarified. She emphasized that, given that the inquiry is continuing, fresh information may come to light.
Ideology and Court Charges
Earlier, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese commented it appears both alleged attackers were "inspired by the so-called Islamic State" beliefs.
During the shooting, Sajid Akram was shot dead by responding officers. He and his son Naveed—both armed with rifles—are accused of having opened fire on attendees at the Jewish festival event.
Naveed Akram, who was wounded after the shooting, has been charged with 59 charges. These include 15 counts of murder and one count of perpetrating a terrorist act. He is expected to appear in court in April.
Travel Details
In the days following the attack, border authorities in the Philippines indicated that the father had entered the country using an foreign passport, while his son used an Australian passport.
The duo had listed the southern city of Davao as their final destination. Their booked 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. The region is known because, Islamist militants have been known to be active in impoverished parts of southern and western Mindanao.
