Alleged Bondi Attackers Operated Solo and Did Not Preparation in the Philippines, Authorities State.
The two alleged attackers who carried out the deadly incident at a Hanukkah event on Bondi Beach, resulting in 15 lives, appear to have operated independently, per national police.
Police also confirmed that Sajid Akram, 50, and his son Naveed Akram, 24, journeyed to the Philippines on 1 November. Their itinerary included landing in the main city Manila before transiting on the day of arrival to Davao City. The duo flew back to Sydney on 29 November.
No Evidence of Preparation During Trip
Authorities indicate the individuals did not receive any form of terrorist instruction or "planning" during their stay in the Philippines. Early findings from local authorities point to they "mostly stayed in" their accommodation.
The shooting—described as Australia's worst mass shooting since 1996—has been formally declared a terrorist incident.
"Our teams are currently analyzing the footage," the commissioner said, explaining that early reviews show that "the two men are believed to have operated independently."
Australian Federal Police Chief Krissy Barrett briefed media on Tuesday that CCTV footage tracking the alleged gunmen's activities in the Philippines had been handed over to Australian authorities.
"There is no evidence to support the idea these accused individuals were affiliated with a broader terrorist cell, or were instructed by overseas entities to perpetrate an incident," she said.
But, the pair were additionally not in the Philippines on a leisure trip, the official added. She stressed that, as the inquiry is continuing, additional details may surface.
Motivation and Legal Proceedings
In prior statements, the nation's Prime Minister Anthony Albanese remarked it looks as though both alleged gunmen were "motivated by the so-called Islamic State" beliefs.
During the incident, Sajid Akram was fatally shot by police. He and his son Naveed—equipped with long-barrelled guns—allegedly targeted guests at the Jewish festival celebration.
Naveed Akram, who was injured and taken to hospital after the shooting, has been formally accused of 59 charges. These comprise 15 charges of murder and one count of committing a act of terrorism. He is scheduled to face court in April.
Immigration Particulars
In the days following the shooting, immigration authorities in the Philippines reported that the older suspect had entered the country using an Indian passport, while his son used an domestic passport.
The pair had listed the metropolis of Davao as their intended endpoint. Their booked return flight 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 groups have reportedly operate in poorer parts of southern and western Mindanao.
