Alleged Bondi Beach Gunmen Operated Independently and Did Not Undergo Training in the Southeast Asian Nation, Authorities State.
The two alleged gunmen responsible for the fatal shooting at a Hanukkah gathering on Bondi Beach, that took 15 lives, are believed to have operated independently, per national law enforcement.
Police additionally revealed that Sajid Akram, 50, and his 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 flew back to Sydney on 29 November.
Lack of Proof of Preparation During Trip
Investigators have stated the duo did not partake in any type of attack-related coaching or "logistical preparation" during their time in the Philippines. Preliminary investigations from Philippine authorities suggest they "mostly stayed in" their accommodation.
The attack—labeled as Australia's most severe mass shooting since 1996—has been officially declared a act of terrorism.
"Our teams are currently analyzing the evidence," the commissioner said, explaining that early evaluations indicate that "the two men are alleged to have been lone actors."
National law enforcement Commissioner Krissy Barrett briefed the press on Tuesday that security camera video tracking the alleged gunmen's whereabouts in the Philippines had been handed over to Australian investigators.
"There is no evidence to indicate these suspects were members of a wider network, or were directed by overseas entities to execute an act of violence," Commissioner Barrett stated.
However, the men were also not in the Philippines for tourism, Commissioner Barrett added. She emphasized that, as the inquiry is ongoing, new evidence could surface.
Inspiration and Court Proceedings
Previously, Australian leader Anthony Albanese commented it seems both accused attackers were "influenced by ISIS" ideology.
During the attack, Sajid Akram was fatally shot by responding officers. He and his son Naveed—both armed with rifles—are accused of having targeted guests at the Jewish festival event.
Naveed Akram, who was hospitalised after the shooting, has been charged with 59 crimes. These include 15 charges of murder and one count of committing a act of terrorism. He is expected to face court in April.
Immigration Particulars
In the aftermath following the attack, immigration authorities in the Philippines indicated that the father had entered the country using an foreign passport, while his younger suspect used an domestic passport.
The pair had stated the metropolis of Davao as their intended endpoint. Their scheduled journey back to Australia was for Sydney.
Davao is a sprawling metropolis on the eastern side of Mindanao, the Philippines' primary island in the south. The region is known because, Militant fighters have been known to be active in poorer parts of central and south-western Mindanao.
