Accused Bondi Beach Gunmen Acted Alone and Did Not Undergo Preparation in the Philippines, Police Confirm.
The two suspected gunmen responsible for the deadly shooting at a Jewish event on Bondi Beach, that took 15 lives, reportedly acted alone, according to Australian authorities.
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 involved arriving in the capital Manila before connecting on the day of arrival to Davao City. The duo flew back to Sydney on 29 November.
No Evidence of Preparation During Trip
Police indicate the pair did not undergo any type of terrorist instruction or "planning" during their time in the Philippines. Preliminary investigations from local authorities suggest they "rarely left" their accommodation.
The shooting—declared Australia's most severe mass shooting since 1996—has been officially classified as a terrorist incident.
"Our teams are actively examining the evidence," the commissioner said, explaining that initial evaluations suggest that "the two men are suspected to have been lone actors."
National law enforcement Chief Krissy Barrett informed media on Tuesday that surveillance material showing the alleged gunmen's activities in the Philippines had been handed over to domestic authorities.
"Our investigation shows little to no indication to suggest these alleged offenders were affiliated with a broader organization, or were directed by external parties to perpetrate an act of violence," the police chief emphasized.
Yet, the men were likewise not in the Philippines as tourists, the official clarified. She stressed that, as the investigation is still active, fresh information could surface.
Ideology and Legal Proceedings
Previously, the nation's leader Anthony Albanese remarked it appears both accused attackers were "inspired by the so-called Islamic State" extremist views.
During the shooting, Sajid Akram was killed by police. He and his son Naveed—both armed with firearms—are accused of having shot attendees at the Hanukkah celebration.
Naveed Akram, who was wounded after the attack, has been charged with 59 charges. These encompass 15 counts of murder and one count of carrying out a terrorist act. He is scheduled to face court in April.
Travel Particulars
In the aftermath following the shooting, border authorities in the Philippines reported that the father had entered the country using an Indian passport, while his younger suspect used an domestic passport.
The duo had stated the metropolis of Davao as their final destination. Their pre-arranged journey back to Australia was for Sydney.
Davao is a sprawling city on the east of Mindanao, the Philippines' main island in the south. The region is known because, Islamist fighters have been known to operate in less developed parts of southern and western Mindanao.
