Suspected Bondi Beach Shooters Operated Independently and Did Not Training in the Philippines, Police State.
The two alleged individuals who carried out the deadly attack at a Hanukkah celebration on Bondi Beach, which claimed 15 lives, are believed to have operated independently, as stated by national authorities.
Investigators further stated that the 50-year-old Sajid Akram, and his son Naveed Akram journeyed to the Philippines on 1 November. Their travel plans included landing in the main city Manila before transiting on the day of arrival to Davao City. The father and son flew back to Sydney on 29 November.
Lack of Proof of Planning During Visit
Authorities assert the duo did not receive any type of attack-related training or "planning" during their stay in the Philippines. Preliminary investigations from local authorities indicate they "hardly ventured out of" their accommodation.
The incident—labeled as Australia's most severe mass shooting since 1996—has been officially designated a act of terrorism.
"Our teams are actively analyzing the footage," the commissioner stated, noting that initial reviews show that "these individuals are alleged to have acted alone."
Australian Federal Police Chief Krissy Barrett informed reporters on Tuesday that security camera video tracking the accused attackers' whereabouts in the Philippines had been handed over to domestic investigators.
"There is little to no indication to indicate these suspects were members of a wider terrorist cell, or were directed by overseas entities to execute an attack," the police chief emphasized.
But, the duo were additionally not in the Philippines on a leisure trip, Commissioner Barrett added. She stressed that, since the probe is continuing, fresh information may surface.
Motivation and Court Proceedings
Previously, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese commented it seems both alleged gunmen were "influenced by ISIS" ideology.
During the shooting, Sajid Akram was fatally shot by responding officers. He and his son Naveed—equipped with long-barrelled guns—are accused of having opened fire on participants at the Jewish festival event.
Naveed Akram, who was injured and taken to hospital after the attack, has been charged with 59 crimes. These comprise 15 charges of murder and one count of committing a terrorist act. He is scheduled to appear in court in April.
Travel Information
In the wake following the shooting, immigration officials in the Philippines stated that the father had arrived in the country using an Indian passport, while his younger suspect used an domestic passport.
The pair had stated the metropolis of Davao as their final destination. Their booked return flight to Australia was for Sydney.
Davao is a large urban center on the eastern side of Mindanao, the Philippines' main island in the south. It is noted that, Islamist fighters have reportedly operate in impoverished parts of southern and western Mindanao.
