Accused Bondi Shooters Acted Independently and Did Not Undergo Training in the Southeast Asian Nation, Police Confirm.
The two alleged attackers who carried out the deadly incident at a Hanukkah gathering on Bondi Beach, that took 15 lives, reportedly acted alone, as stated by Australian authorities.
Investigators additionally revealed that Sajid Akram, 50, and his 24-year-old son Naveed Akram, 24, journeyed to the Philippines on 1 November. Their travel plans involved arriving in the main city Manila before connecting that same day to Davao City. The father and son returned to Sydney on 29 November.
Lack of Proof of Preparation During Stay
Investigators have stated the pair did not undergo any type of terrorist coaching or "logistical preparation" during their time in the Philippines. Initial inquiries from local authorities indicate they "rarely left" their hotel.
The incident—declared Australia's most severe firearm massacre since 1996—has been formally classified as a act of terrorism.
"Our teams are currently examining the evidence," she stated, adding that early reviews indicate that "the alleged offenders are suspected to have operated independently."
National law enforcement Commissioner Krissy Barrett briefed reporters on Tuesday that CCTV footage documenting the alleged gunmen's activities in the Philippines had been handed over to domestic authorities.
"Our investigation shows no evidence to indicate these suspects were affiliated with a wider organization, or were acting on orders from external parties to execute an attack," she stated.
But, the men were likewise not in the Philippines on a leisure trip, she noted. She emphasized that, as the investigation is still active, new evidence may come to light.
Ideology and Legal Proceedings
Earlier, the nation's Prime Minister Anthony Albanese remarked it seems both accused gunmen were "motivated by ISIS" beliefs.
During the attack, Sajid Akram was fatally shot by responding officers. He and his son Naveed—reportedly carrying long-barrelled guns—allegedly opened fire on attendees at the Jewish festival celebration.
Naveed Akram, who was injured and taken to hospital after the shooting, has been formally accused of 59 crimes. These encompass 15 counts of murder and one count of perpetrating a act of terrorism. He is expected to face court in April.
Travel Information
In the days following the attack, immigration officials in the Philippines stated that the older suspect had arrived in the country using an foreign passport, while his younger suspect used an Australian passport.
The two had listed the metropolis of Davao as their final destination. Their scheduled journey back to Australia was for Sydney.
Davao is a sprawling urban center on the eastern side of Mindanao, the Philippines' largest southern island. Historically, Islamist groups have reportedly operate in poorer parts of southern and western Mindanao.
