Suspected Bondi Attackers Operated Independently and Received No Training in the Southeast Asian Nation, Authorities State.
The two alleged gunmen responsible for the fatal shooting at a Hanukkah gathering on Bondi Beach, that took 15 lives, reportedly operated independently, according to national authorities.
Investigators further stated that Sajid Akram, 50, and his son Naveed Akram journeyed to the Philippines on 1 November. Their itinerary involved landing in the capital Manila before transiting on the day of arrival to Davao City. The duo returned to Sydney on 29 November.
No Evidence of Training During Trip
Authorities indicate the duo did not receive any form of attack-related instruction or "logistical preparation" during their time in the Philippines. Early investigations from local officials suggest they "hardly ventured out of" their accommodation.
The shooting—labeled as Australia's most severe mass shooting since 1996—has been officially declared a act of terrorism.
"We are actively analyzing the evidence," she stated, explaining that initial evaluations show that "the alleged offenders are believed to have acted alone."
National law enforcement Chief Krissy Barrett told reporters on Tuesday that CCTV footage tracking the accused attackers' whereabouts in the Philippines had been submitted to domestic authorities.
"Our investigation shows little to no indication to indicate these suspects were members of a broader terrorist cell, or were directed by others to execute an act of violence," the police chief stated.
However, the duo were also not necessarily in the Philippines as tourists, Commissioner Barrett noted. She stressed that, since the inquiry is still active, additional details may emerge.
Motivation and Legal Charges
In prior statements, the nation's leader Anthony Albanese commented it appears both alleged attackers were "influenced by ISIS" extremist views.
During the shooting, Sajid Akram was killed by responding officers. He and his son Naveed—reportedly carrying rifles—are accused of having shot guests at the Hanukkah event.
Naveed Akram, who was hospitalised after the shooting, has been formally accused of 59 offences. These include 15 counts of murder and one count of perpetrating a act of terrorism. He is due to appear in court in April.
Travel Particulars
In the days following the attack, immigration authorities in the Philippines indicated that the father had arrived in the country using an Indian passport, while his younger suspect used an Australian passport.
The pair had listed the southern city of Davao as their intended endpoint. Their booked journey back to Australia was for Sydney.
Davao is a sprawling metropolis on the east of Mindanao, the Philippines' primary island in the south. Historically, Islamist groups have been known to be active in poorer parts of southern and western Mindanao.
