Accused Bondi Shooters Operated Alone and Did Not Undergo Preparation in the Philippines, Police Confirm.
The pair of accused gunmen who carried out the lethal shooting at a Jewish event on Bondi Beach, resulting in 15 lives, reportedly been lone actors, per Australian law enforcement.
Investigators further stated that the 50-year-old Sajid Akram, and his son Naveed Akram travelled to the Philippines on 1 November. Their travel plans involved arriving in the capital Manila before connecting on the day of arrival to Davao City. The pair returned to Sydney on 29 November.
Lack of Proof of Training During Visit
Authorities assert the individuals did not partake in any type of attack-related coaching or "logistical preparation" during their stay in the Philippines. Initial findings from Philippine authorities suggest they "hardly ventured out of" their accommodation.
The incident—labeled as Australia's deadliest firearm massacre since 1996—has been officially classified as a act of terrorism.
"We are actively reviewing the footage," the commissioner stated, explaining that early assessments show that "these individuals are alleged to have acted alone."
National law enforcement Commissioner Krissy Barrett briefed the press on Tuesday that CCTV footage documenting the alleged gunmen's movements in the Philippines had been handed over to domestic authorities.
"Our investigation shows no evidence to indicate these accused individuals were members of a larger organization, or were directed by others to carry out an attack," she stated.
Yet, the duo were also not in the Philippines as tourists, she added. She underscored that, since the probe is still active, additional details might come to light.
Inspiration and Court Proceedings
Earlier, Australian leader Anthony Albanese said it seems both accused attackers were "influenced by ISIS" extremist views.
During the incident, Sajid Akram was fatally shot by police. He and his son Naveed—both armed with rifles—allegedly shot attendees at the Jewish festival event.
Naveed Akram, who was wounded after the attack, has been formally accused of 59 offences. These comprise 15 charges of murder and one count of committing a terrorist act. He is scheduled to face court in April.
Travel Particulars
In the days following the shooting, immigration officials in the Philippines stated that the older suspect had arrived in the country using an Indian passport, while his son used an Australian passport.
The two had stated the metropolis of Davao as their intended endpoint. Their booked return flight to Australia was for Sydney.
Davao is a sprawling urban center on the eastern side of Mindanao, the Philippines' largest island in the south. Historically, Islamist militants have reportedly operate in poorer parts of southern and western Mindanao.
