Alleged Bondi Beach Attackers Acted Solo and Did Not Training in the Southeast Asian Nation, Investigators Say.
The two suspected attackers who carried out the fatal incident at a Jewish celebration on Bondi Beach, which claimed 15 lives, are believed to have operated independently, per Australian police.
Investigators also confirmed that Sajid Akram, 50, and his 24-year-old son Naveed Akram, 24, flew to the Philippines on 1 November. Their itinerary included arriving in the main city Manila before connecting that same day to Davao City. The father and son returned to Sydney on 29 November.
No Evidence of Preparation During Stay
Investigators have stated the individuals did not undergo any form of terrorist coaching or "organizing" during their time in the Philippines. Early inquiries from local authorities point to they "rarely left" their accommodation.
The shooting—declared Australia's deadliest mass shooting since 1996—has been formally classified as a act of terrorism.
"We are actively analyzing the footage," she said, adding that early reviews suggest that "these individuals are believed to have been lone actors."
Australian Federal Police Commissioner Krissy Barrett briefed media on Tuesday that security camera video showing the accused attackers' activities in the Philippines had been handed over to Australian authorities.
"Our investigation shows no evidence to suggest these accused individuals were affiliated with a broader organization, or were instructed by external parties to perpetrate an incident," she emphasized.
But, the men were additionally not in the Philippines on a leisure trip, the official noted. She underscored that, as the inquiry is continuing, additional details may emerge.
Ideology and Legal Proceedings
Previously, the nation's Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said it seems both alleged gunmen were "motivated by the so-called Islamic State" extremist views.
During the attack, Sajid Akram was killed by police. He and his son Naveed—equipped with long-barrelled guns—allegedly targeted participants at the Jewish festival event.
Naveed Akram, who was wounded after the attack, has been formally accused of 59 charges. These include 15 counts of murder and one count of committing a act of terrorism. He is due to appear in court in April.
Travel Particulars
In the days following the attack, border authorities in the Philippines stated that the older suspect had entered the country using an foreign passport, while his son used an Australian passport.
The two had stated the metropolis of Davao as their final destination. Their scheduled journey back to Australia was for Sydney.
Davao is a large metropolis on the eastern side of Mindanao, the Philippines' primary island in the south. It is noted that, Islamist militants have reportedly operate in impoverished parts of central and south-western Mindanao.
