Suspected Bondi Beach Gunmen Operated Independently and Did Not Undergo Preparation in the Philippines, Investigators State.
The two suspected individuals who carried out the lethal shooting at a Hanukkah celebration on Bondi Beach, which claimed 15 lives, reportedly operated independently, per national police.
Authorities additionally revealed that the 50-year-old Sajid Akram, and his son Naveed Akram travelled to the Philippines on 1 November. Their travel plans included landing in the capital Manila before transiting that same day to Davao City. The father and son flew back to Sydney on 29 November.
Lack of Proof of Planning During Trip
Investigators have stated the duo did not partake in any form of attack-related coaching or "planning" during their stay in the Philippines. Preliminary inquiries from local officials point to they "rarely left" their hotel.
The incident—labeled as Australia's worst firearm massacre since 1996—has been officially declared a terrorist incident.
"Our teams are currently reviewing the footage," she said, explaining that initial reviews indicate that "the alleged offenders are alleged to have acted alone."
Australian Federal Police Chief Krissy Barrett informed the press on Tuesday that CCTV footage documenting the alleged gunmen's activities in the Philippines had been provided to Australian investigators.
"There is little to no indication to support the idea these alleged offenders were members of a wider network, or were instructed by overseas entities to execute an incident," the police chief stated.
Yet, the pair were additionally not necessarily in the Philippines for tourism, the official clarified. She emphasized that, given that the investigation is ongoing, fresh information may come to light.
Ideology and Court Proceedings
Previously, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese remarked it appears both alleged attackers were "inspired by ISIS" beliefs.
During the attack, Sajid Akram was fatally shot by police. He and his son Naveed—reportedly carrying rifles—allegedly targeted attendees at the Jewish festival celebration.
Naveed Akram, who was injured and taken to hospital after the shooting, has been formally accused of 59 offences. These comprise 15 charges of murder and one count of carrying out a act of terrorism. He is due to face court in April.
Immigration Information
In the days following the attack, immigration authorities in the Philippines reported that the father had arrived in the country using an Indian passport, while his younger suspect used an domestic passport.
The pair had listed the metropolis of Davao as their final destination. Their pre-arranged journey back to Australia was for Sydney.
Davao is a expansive city on the east of Mindanao, the Philippines' largest island in the south. Historically, Islamist militants have reportedly operate in impoverished parts of southern and western Mindanao.
