Alleged Bondi Beach Gunmen Acted Alone and Received No Instruction in the Southeast Asian Nation, Police Confirm.
The two alleged attackers who carried out the lethal attack at a Jewish celebration on Bondi Beach, resulting in 15 lives, appear to have been lone actors, according to national law enforcement.
Investigators also confirmed that Sajid Akram, 50, and his son Naveed Akram journeyed to the Philippines on 1 November. Their itinerary involved arriving in the main city Manila before transiting that same day to Davao City. The father and son returned to Sydney on 29 November.
No Evidence of Planning During Trip
Investigators assert the duo did not partake in any form of terrorist instruction or "planning" during their stay in the Philippines. Preliminary findings from Philippine officials point to they "rarely left" their accommodation.
The attack—labeled as Australia's most severe mass shooting since 1996—has been officially designated a act of terrorism.
"We are actively analyzing the footage," she stated, noting that initial reviews show that "these individuals are suspected to have acted alone."
Australian Federal Police Commissioner Krissy Barrett informed media on Tuesday that CCTV footage documenting the accused attackers' movements in the Philippines had been submitted to domestic authorities.
"There is little to no indication to support the idea these suspects were part of a broader organization, or were acting on orders from others to perpetrate an incident," she said.
Yet, the pair were additionally not in the Philippines for tourism, the official noted. She emphasized that, given that the probe is continuing, fresh information might come to light.
Motivation and Legal Proceedings
Earlier, Australian leader Anthony Albanese said it appears both alleged gunmen were "motivated by ISIS" beliefs.
During the shooting, Sajid Akram was fatally shot by police. He and his son Naveed—reportedly carrying firearms—are accused of having opened fire on attendees at the Jewish festival celebration.
Naveed Akram, who was hospitalised after the shooting, has been formally accused of 59 charges. These include 15 counts of murder and one count of carrying out a act of terrorism. He is due to face court in April.
Immigration Details
In the wake following the attack, immigration officials in the Philippines indicated that the older suspect had entered the country using an foreign passport, while his son used an Australian passport.
The duo had stated the southern city of Davao as their final destination. Their pre-arranged return flight to Australia was for Sydney.
Davao is a large urban center on the east of Mindanao, the Philippines' main island in the south. Historically, Islamist militants have been known to be active in poorer parts of southern and western Mindanao.
