Accused Bondi Gunmen Operated Solo and Did Not Instruction in the Philippines, Police State.
The two suspected attackers responsible for the lethal shooting at a Hanukkah gathering on Bondi Beach, resulting in 15 lives, reportedly acted alone, per Australian authorities.
Authorities also confirmed that the 50-year-old Sajid Akram, and his 24-year-old son Naveed Akram, 24, flew to the Philippines on 1 November. Their travel plans involved arriving in the capital Manila before transiting that same day to Davao City. The father and son returned to Sydney on 29 November.
No Evidence of Training During Trip
Investigators have stated the pair did not undergo any form of terrorist coaching or "logistical preparation" during their time in the Philippines. Preliminary investigations from Philippine officials indicate they "rarely left" their accommodation.
The incident—labeled as Australia's deadliest mass shooting since 1996—has been formally classified as a terrorist incident.
"Our teams are actively examining the material," the commissioner said, noting that early assessments show that "the two men are suspected to have acted alone."
Australian Federal Police Chief Krissy Barrett briefed media on Tuesday that CCTV footage tracking the alleged gunmen's movements in the Philippines had been handed over to domestic investigators.
"Our investigation shows little to no indication to indicate these accused individuals were part of a wider terrorist cell, or were directed by overseas entities to execute an incident," Commissioner Barrett emphasized.
Yet, the men were additionally not necessarily in the Philippines as tourists, the official noted. She emphasized that, since the inquiry is ongoing, new evidence may emerge.
Motivation and Legal Proceedings
Previously, Australian leader Anthony Albanese commented it appears both accused attackers were "influenced by ISIS" extremist views.
During the shooting, Sajid Akram was killed by police. He and his son Naveed—equipped with long-barrelled guns—are accused of having targeted participants at the Jewish festival event.
Naveed Akram, who was hospitalised after the shooting, has been formally accused of 59 crimes. These include 15 counts of murder and one count of carrying out a terrorist act. He is expected to appear in court in April.
Immigration Details
In the wake following the attack, border authorities in the Philippines reported that the father had arrived in the country using an Indian passport, while his younger suspect used an domestic passport.
The two had listed the southern city of Davao as their intended endpoint. Their booked return flight to Australia was for Sydney.
Davao is a expansive urban center on the eastern side of Mindanao, the Philippines' largest island in the south. It is noted that, Militant militants have been known to be active in poorer parts of southern and western Mindanao.
