Accused Bondi Shooters Acted Independently and Did Not Preparation in the Philippines, Investigators Confirm.
The pair of accused attackers responsible for the lethal shooting at a Jewish celebration on Bondi Beach, resulting in 15 lives, are believed to have been lone actors, according to Australian police.
Authorities additionally revealed that Sajid Akram, 50, and his son Naveed Akram flew to the Philippines on 1 November. Their travel plans included landing in the capital Manila before connecting that same day to Davao City. The duo returned to Sydney on 29 November.
Lack of Proof of Preparation During Trip
Investigators indicate the individuals did not receive any type of attack-related instruction or "planning" during their time in the Philippines. Initial inquiries from local officials point to they "rarely left" their accommodation.
The shooting—declared Australia's worst mass shooting since 1996—has been formally designated a act of terrorism.
"Our teams are actively reviewing the evidence," the commissioner stated, explaining that early evaluations indicate that "these individuals are believed to have acted alone."
National law enforcement Chief Krissy Barrett informed reporters on Tuesday that surveillance material tracking the alleged gunmen's activities in the Philippines had been handed over to domestic investigators.
"Our investigation shows no evidence to indicate these suspects were affiliated with a wider organization, or were directed by others to execute an incident," Commissioner Barrett emphasized.
But, the duo were likewise not necessarily in the Philippines as tourists, she clarified. She underscored that, given that the inquiry is ongoing, new evidence might surface.
Motivation and Court Proceedings
Previously, Australian leader Anthony Albanese remarked it appears both accused gunmen were "inspired by the so-called Islamic State" ideology.
During the shooting, Sajid Akram was killed by police. He and his son Naveed—equipped with long-barrelled guns—allegedly opened fire on attendees at the Hanukkah celebration.
Naveed Akram, who was injured and taken to hospital after the attack, has been formally accused of 59 charges. These encompass 15 charges of murder and one count of committing a terrorist act. He is expected to face court in April.
Immigration Information
In the wake following the attack, immigration authorities in the Philippines reported that the father had arrived in the country using an Indian passport, while his son used an Australian passport.
The two had listed the metropolis of Davao as their intended endpoint. Their scheduled return flight to Australia was for Sydney.
Davao is a expansive metropolis on the east of Mindanao, the Philippines' largest southern island. Historically, Islamist fighters have been known to be active in poorer parts of central and south-western Mindanao.
