Suspected Bondi Attackers Operated Alone and Did Not Undergo Training in the Southeast Asian Nation, Authorities Say.
The pair of accused gunmen responsible for the fatal shooting at a Hanukkah event on Bondi Beach, that took 15 lives, reportedly operated independently, as stated by Australian authorities.
Authorities further stated that Sajid Akram, 50, and his 24-year-old son Naveed Akram flew to the Philippines on 1 November. Their travel plans involved arriving in the main city Manila before transiting that same day to Davao City. The duo flew back to Sydney on 29 November.
Lack of Proof of Planning During Visit
Authorities assert the individuals did not partake in any form of attack-related training or "logistical preparation" during their stay in the Philippines. Preliminary findings from local officials point to they "hardly ventured out of" their hotel.
The attack—labeled as Australia's deadliest firearm massacre since 1996—has been officially designated a act of terrorism.
"Our teams are actively reviewing the evidence," the commissioner stated, noting that preliminary reviews indicate that "the alleged offenders are alleged to have been lone actors."
Australian Federal Police Chief Krissy Barrett briefed media on Tuesday that CCTV footage showing the alleged gunmen's activities in the Philippines had been handed over to Australian authorities.
"Our investigation shows little to no indication to suggest these suspects were affiliated with a wider network, or were directed by external parties to execute an attack," Commissioner Barrett stated.
But, the men were likewise not in the Philippines as tourists, she added. She stressed that, since the investigation is continuing, fresh information might emerge.
Inspiration and Court Charges
Previously, Australian leader Anthony Albanese commented it seems both alleged gunmen were "inspired by ISIS" extremist views.
During the attack, Sajid Akram was killed by responding officers. He and his son Naveed—both armed with long-barrelled guns—allegedly shot attendees at the Jewish festival event.
Naveed Akram, who was wounded after the attack, has been charged with 59 charges. These include 15 counts of murder and one count of carrying out a act of terrorism. He is due to appear in court in April.
Travel Particulars
In the aftermath following the attack, immigration authorities in the Philippines reported that the older suspect had entered the country using an foreign passport, while his younger suspect used an domestic passport.
The two had stated the southern city of Davao as their intended endpoint. Their booked journey back to Australia was for Sydney.
Davao is a large metropolis on the east of Mindanao, the Philippines' main island in the south. Historically, Militant militants have reportedly operate in less developed parts of central and south-western Mindanao.
