Alleged Bondi Beach Shooters Operated Solo and Did Not Undergo Instruction in the Philippines, Investigators Say.
The two alleged gunmen responsible for the deadly attack at a Hanukkah celebration on Bondi Beach, which claimed 15 lives, are believed to have operated independently, as stated by Australian authorities.
Police further stated that Sajid Akram, 50, and his son Naveed Akram journeyed to the Philippines on 1 November. Their travel plans included arriving in the capital Manila before transiting that same day to Davao City. The duo returned to Sydney on 29 November.
No Evidence of Training During Visit
Investigators assert the pair did not undergo any form of attack-related instruction or "planning" during their time in the Philippines. Preliminary inquiries from Philippine officials suggest they "hardly ventured out of" their hotel.
The shooting—labeled as Australia's deadliest mass shooting since 1996—has been officially declared a act of terrorism.
"We are actively reviewing the evidence," she said, noting that initial reviews show that "the alleged offenders are alleged to have operated independently."
National law enforcement Commissioner Krissy Barrett told reporters on Tuesday that CCTV footage tracking the accused attackers' activities in the Philippines had been provided to domestic investigators.
"There is little to no indication to support the idea these accused individuals were part of a wider organization, or were acting on orders from external parties to execute an incident," she stated.
Yet, the pair were also not in the Philippines as tourists, she noted. She emphasized that, given that the probe is still active, additional details might emerge.
Inspiration and Court Proceedings
In prior statements, the nation's Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said it looks as though both alleged attackers were "influenced by ISIS" extremist views.
During the shooting, Sajid Akram was fatally shot by responding officers. He and his son Naveed—reportedly carrying firearms—are accused of having targeted attendees at the Hanukkah event.
Naveed Akram, who was injured and taken to hospital after the attack, has been charged with 59 offences. These encompass 15 counts of murder and one count of perpetrating a act of terrorism. He is due to face court in April.
Immigration Particulars
In the wake following the shooting, border officials in the Philippines indicated that the father had entered the country using an foreign passport, while his son used an domestic passport.
The duo had listed the metropolis of Davao as their final destination. Their scheduled journey back to Australia was for Sydney.
Davao is a sprawling urban center on the east of Mindanao, the Philippines' main southern island. It is noted that, Islamist militants have been known to be active in impoverished parts of central and south-western Mindanao.
