Accused Bondi Beach Shooters Acted Independently and Did Not Preparation in the Southeast Asian Nation, Investigators Confirm.
The two alleged individuals responsible for the fatal attack at a Jewish celebration on Bondi Beach, that took 15 lives, reportedly operated independently, per national law enforcement.
Authorities additionally revealed that Sajid Akram, 50, and his 24-year-old son Naveed Akram, 24, journeyed to the Philippines on 1 November. Their itinerary included landing in the capital Manila before transiting on the day of arrival to Davao City. The father and son flew back to Sydney on 29 November.
No Evidence of Planning During Stay
Investigators have stated the individuals did not undergo any form of attack-related coaching or "planning" during their stay in the Philippines. Early investigations from Philippine officials point to they "mostly stayed in" their hotel.
The incident—declared Australia's most severe mass shooting since 1996—has been officially declared a terrorist incident.
"Our teams are currently examining the material," she said, noting that initial assessments show that "the alleged offenders are alleged to have been lone actors."
Australian Federal Police Chief Krissy Barrett told media on Tuesday that surveillance material tracking the accused attackers' whereabouts in the Philippines had been provided to domestic authorities.
"Our investigation shows little to no indication to suggest these suspects were affiliated with a broader terrorist cell, or were directed by overseas entities to execute an act of violence," she emphasized.
But, the men were also not in the Philippines on a leisure trip, she added. She stressed that, given that the investigation is continuing, fresh information may come to light.
Motivation and Court Proceedings
Earlier, the nation's Prime Minister Anthony Albanese remarked it seems both accused gunmen were "influenced 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 firearms—are accused of having targeted participants at the Hanukkah celebration.
Naveed Akram, who was injured and taken to hospital after the shooting, has been formally accused of 59 offences. These encompass 15 charges of murder and one count of committing a terrorist act. He is scheduled to face court in April.
Travel Details
In the aftermath following the attack, 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 two had listed the southern city of Davao as their final destination. Their pre-arranged journey back to Australia was for Sydney.
Davao is a expansive urban center on the east of Mindanao, the Philippines' largest island in the south. It is noted that, Islamist militants have reportedly operate in less developed parts of central and south-western Mindanao.
