Suspected Bondi Shooters Operated Alone and Did Not Training in the Philippines, Authorities Confirm.
The pair of accused attackers who carried out the deadly shooting at a Hanukkah gathering on Bondi Beach, which claimed 15 lives, appear to have operated independently, as stated by national authorities.
Police additionally revealed that Sajid Akram, 50, and his son Naveed Akram flew to the Philippines on 1 November. Their itinerary involved arriving in the capital Manila before connecting on the day of arrival to Davao City. The pair flew back to Sydney on 29 November.
No Evidence of Training During Stay
Investigators indicate the duo did not receive any form of terrorist coaching or "logistical preparation" during their visit in the Philippines. Preliminary findings from Philippine authorities indicate they "rarely left" their accommodation.
The incident—described as Australia's deadliest mass shooting since 1996—has been formally classified as a act of terrorism.
"Our teams are actively examining the evidence," the commissioner stated, adding that preliminary assessments suggest that "the two men are believed to have acted alone."
National law enforcement Commissioner Krissy Barrett informed reporters on Tuesday that CCTV footage showing the accused attackers' whereabouts in the Philippines had been submitted to Australian investigators.
"Our investigation shows no evidence to support the idea these accused individuals were affiliated with a wider network, or were instructed by others to carry out an incident," she said.
However, the men were also not in the Philippines for tourism, she clarified. She stressed that, given that the inquiry is ongoing, new evidence might surface.
Inspiration and Legal Proceedings
Earlier, Australian leader Anthony Albanese commented it appears both alleged gunmen were "motivated by ISIS" ideology.
During the attack, Sajid Akram was killed by police. He and his son Naveed—reportedly carrying firearms—allegedly targeted guests at the Hanukkah celebration.
Naveed Akram, who was hospitalised after the attack, has been charged with 59 charges. These encompass 15 charges of murder and one count of perpetrating a act of terrorism. He is expected to appear in court in April.
Immigration Details
In the wake following the attack, border authorities in the Philippines indicated that the older suspect had entered the country using an foreign passport, while his son used an domestic passport.
The duo had listed the southern city of Davao as their final destination. Their booked journey back to Australia was for Sydney.
Davao is a sprawling urban center on the east of Mindanao, the Philippines' main southern island. It is noted that, Islamist fighters have been known to operate in impoverished parts of southern and western Mindanao.
