Accused Bondi Beach Attackers Acted Solo and Did Not Undergo Instruction in the Southeast Asian Nation, Police Say.
The two suspected individuals responsible for the lethal incident at a Jewish event on Bondi Beach, that took 15 lives, reportedly operated independently, according to national police.
Police further stated that Sajid Akram, 50, and his 24-year-old son Naveed Akram, 24, flew to the Philippines on 1 November. Their itinerary involved arriving in the capital Manila before traveling onward on the day of arrival to Davao City. The duo flew back to Sydney on 29 November.
No Evidence of Planning During Visit
Investigators have stated the individuals did not partake in any type of terrorist training or "organizing" during their visit in the Philippines. Early investigations from local authorities point to they "mostly stayed in" their accommodation.
The shooting—declared Australia's worst mass shooting since 1996—has been formally declared a terrorist incident.
"We are actively examining the material," she stated, noting that preliminary reviews suggest that "the two men are suspected to have acted alone."
Australian Federal Police Commissioner Krissy Barrett informed reporters on Tuesday that CCTV footage tracking the accused attackers' movements in the Philippines had been submitted to domestic authorities.
"Our investigation shows little to no indication to support the idea these suspects were members of a larger organization, or were directed by others to execute an attack," the police chief emphasized.
But, the duo were additionally not necessarily in the Philippines for tourism, Commissioner Barrett clarified. She emphasized that, given that the probe is still active, additional details could surface.
Motivation and Legal Charges
Previously, the nation's Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said it looks as though both alleged gunmen were "inspired by ISIS" beliefs.
During the shooting, Sajid Akram was fatally shot by responding officers. He and his son Naveed—equipped with rifles—allegedly targeted attendees at the Jewish festival event.
Naveed Akram, who was hospitalised after the attack, has been charged with 59 offences. These include 15 charges of murder and one count of committing a terrorist act. He is expected to appear in court in April.
Travel Information
In the days following the attack, border officials in the Philippines indicated that the older suspect had entered the country using an Indian passport, while his son 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 urban center on the east of Mindanao, the Philippines' main island in the south. Historically, Islamist fighters have reportedly operate in poorer parts of central and south-western Mindanao.
