Accused Bondi Shooters Acted Solo and Did Not Undergo Preparation in the Philippines, Investigators State.
The two alleged gunmen who carried out the lethal incident at a Jewish gathering on Bondi Beach, that took 15 lives, appear to have operated independently, per national authorities.
Police additionally revealed that Sajid Akram, 50, and his son Naveed Akram, 24, journeyed to the Philippines on 1 November. Their itinerary involved landing in the capital Manila before transiting that same day to Davao City. The pair returned to Sydney on 29 November.
No Evidence of Preparation During Stay
Police assert the duo did not undergo any type of attack-related coaching or "organizing" during their visit in the Philippines. Early findings from Philippine officials point to they "rarely left" their accommodation.
The attack—described as Australia's deadliest mass shooting since 1996—has been officially designated a terrorist incident.
"Our teams are currently examining the footage," she said, adding that early evaluations indicate that "the alleged offenders are alleged to have acted alone."
National law enforcement Chief Krissy Barrett informed the press on Tuesday that surveillance material showing the alleged gunmen's activities in the Philippines had been provided to domestic authorities.
"There is no evidence to support the idea these accused individuals were part of a broader organization, or were instructed by external parties to execute an act of violence," she emphasized.
But, the duo were likewise not necessarily in the Philippines as tourists, Commissioner Barrett added. She underscored that, as the probe is ongoing, new evidence may surface.
Inspiration and Legal Charges
Earlier, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese remarked it looks as though both alleged attackers were "inspired by the so-called Islamic State" beliefs.
During the attack, Sajid Akram was shot dead by responding officers. He and his son Naveed—equipped with rifles—are accused of having opened fire on participants at the Hanukkah event.
Naveed Akram, who was wounded after the shooting, has been charged with 59 crimes. These encompass 15 charges of murder and one count of carrying out a terrorist act. He is due to appear in court in April.
Travel Details
In the wake following the attack, border authorities in the Philippines stated that the father had arrived in the country using an Indian passport, while his son used an Australian passport.
The two had stated the southern city of Davao as their intended endpoint. Their pre-arranged journey back to Australia was for Sydney.
Davao is a sprawling city on the east of Mindanao, the Philippines' primary island in the south. Historically, Militant militants have been known to be active in poorer parts of southern and western Mindanao.
