Alleged Bondi Gunmen Acted Solo and Did Not Undergo Instruction in the Philippines, Police Say.
The pair of accused gunmen who carried out the lethal incident at a Jewish event on Bondi Beach, that took 15 lives, reportedly acted alone, according to Australian authorities.
Authorities also confirmed that the 50-year-old Sajid Akram, and his son Naveed Akram travelled to the Philippines on 1 November. Their itinerary involved landing in the main city Manila before connecting on the day of arrival to Davao City. The father and son returned to Sydney on 29 November.
No Evidence of Planning During Visit
Authorities indicate the pair did not undergo any form of attack-related instruction or "organizing" during their stay in the Philippines. Preliminary findings from local authorities suggest they "hardly ventured out of" their accommodation.
The incident—declared Australia's worst mass shooting since 1996—has been formally designated a act of terrorism.
"Our teams are currently examining the material," the commissioner stated, explaining that preliminary evaluations show that "these individuals are alleged to have been lone actors."
Australian Federal Police Chief Krissy Barrett briefed the press on Tuesday that security camera video tracking the alleged gunmen's whereabouts in the Philippines had been submitted to Australian authorities.
"There is little to no indication to support the idea these alleged offenders were affiliated with a larger network, or were directed by external parties to perpetrate an act of violence," the police chief stated.
Yet, the men were additionally not necessarily in the Philippines as tourists, she added. She emphasized that, since the investigation is continuing, fresh information may emerge.
Inspiration and Court Proceedings
Earlier, Australian leader Anthony Albanese commented it appears both accused attackers were "inspired by the so-called Islamic State" extremist views.
During the attack, Sajid Akram was killed by responding officers. He and his son Naveed—both armed with firearms—are accused of having opened fire on attendees at the Jewish festival event.
Naveed Akram, who was hospitalised after the attack, has been formally accused of 59 charges. These encompass 15 counts of murder and one count of committing a terrorist act. He is expected to appear in court in April.
Travel Details
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 Australian passport.
The two had listed the southern city of Davao as their final destination. Their pre-arranged journey back to Australia was for Sydney.
Davao is a large city on the east of Mindanao, the Philippines' largest island in the south. The region is known because, Militant militants have reportedly be active in impoverished parts of central and south-western Mindanao.