Suspected Bondi Gunmen Operated Independently and Received No Instruction in the Philippines, Authorities State.
The pair of accused individuals responsible for the fatal attack at a Jewish event on Bondi Beach, resulting in 15 lives, are believed to have acted alone, as stated by national law enforcement.
Police also confirmed that Sajid Akram, 50, and his 24-year-old son Naveed Akram, 24, journeyed to the Philippines on 1 November. Their itinerary involved arriving in the capital Manila before traveling onward on the day of arrival to Davao City. The father and son returned to Sydney on 29 November.
Lack of Proof of Planning During Visit
Investigators assert the pair did not receive any form of attack-related coaching or "logistical preparation" during their visit in the Philippines. Initial investigations from Philippine authorities suggest they "hardly ventured out of" their hotel.
The shooting—labeled as Australia's worst firearm massacre since 1996—has been formally designated a act of terrorism.
"We are currently reviewing the evidence," she said, explaining that preliminary assessments show that "the alleged offenders are believed to have been lone actors."
Australian Federal Police Chief Krissy Barrett briefed media on Tuesday that CCTV footage showing the alleged gunmen's activities in the Philippines had been provided to domestic investigators.
"There is no evidence to support the idea these suspects were affiliated with a larger terrorist cell, or were directed by overseas entities to perpetrate an act of violence," the police chief said.
However, the pair were also not in the Philippines for tourism, Commissioner Barrett clarified. She stressed that, given that the inquiry is still active, additional details might emerge.
Inspiration and Legal Proceedings
Earlier, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said it seems both alleged gunmen were "inspired by ISIS" beliefs.
During the shooting, Sajid Akram was shot dead by responding officers. He and his son Naveed—equipped with rifles—allegedly shot participants at the Hanukkah event.
Naveed Akram, who was injured and taken to hospital after the shooting, has been formally accused of 59 crimes. These encompass 15 charges of murder and one count of carrying out a act of terrorism. He is scheduled to appear in court in April.
Travel Details
In the aftermath following the attack, border officials in the Philippines indicated that the father had entered the country using an foreign passport, while his son used an domestic passport.
The duo had stated the metropolis of Davao as their final destination. Their booked 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.
