Alleged Bondi Attackers Acted Solo and Did Not Undergo Preparation in the Southeast Asian Nation, Investigators State.
The two suspected individuals who carried out the lethal incident at a Hanukkah event on Bondi Beach, resulting in 15 lives, reportedly operated independently, according to Australian police.
Investigators additionally revealed that the 50-year-old Sajid Akram, and his 24-year-old son Naveed Akram travelled to the Philippines on 1 November. Their itinerary involved arriving in the main city Manila before connecting on the day of arrival to Davao City. The pair flew back to Sydney on 29 November.
No Evidence of Preparation During Trip
Authorities indicate the pair did not partake in any form of attack-related training or "logistical preparation" during their time in the Philippines. Initial inquiries from Philippine authorities suggest they "hardly ventured out of" their hotel.
The attack—described as Australia's worst mass shooting since 1996—has been formally declared a act of terrorism.
"We are currently examining the material," she stated, adding that initial assessments indicate that "these individuals are believed to have acted alone."
National law enforcement Commissioner Krissy Barrett informed reporters on Tuesday that surveillance material showing the alleged gunmen's activities in the Philippines had been provided to domestic investigators.
"Our investigation shows little to no indication to suggest these accused individuals were affiliated with a broader organization, or were instructed by overseas entities to carry out an attack," she stated.
However, the pair were likewise not necessarily in the Philippines for tourism, Commissioner Barrett added. She emphasized that, given that the inquiry is continuing, additional details may surface.
Motivation and Court Proceedings
Earlier, the nation's leader Anthony Albanese remarked it seems both accused gunmen were "motivated by the so-called Islamic State" ideology.
During the attack, Sajid Akram was shot dead by police. He and his son Naveed—equipped with firearms—are accused of having shot guests at the Jewish festival celebration.
Naveed Akram, who was wounded after the attack, has been formally accused of 59 crimes. These comprise 15 charges of murder and one count of committing a act of terrorism. He is due to appear in court in April.
Immigration Particulars
In the aftermath following the shooting, border 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 pair had stated the southern city of Davao as their intended endpoint. Their booked return flight to Australia was for Sydney.
Davao is a large city on the east of Mindanao, the Philippines' primary island in the south. The region is known because, Militant militants have reportedly operate in impoverished parts of central and south-western Mindanao.
