Accused Bondi Beach Shooters Operated Alone and Did Not Preparation in the Philippines, Investigators State.
The two suspected individuals responsible for the fatal shooting at a Hanukkah event on Bondi Beach, that took 15 lives, reportedly acted alone, as stated by Australian police.
Investigators also confirmed that Sajid Akram, 50, and his 24-year-old son Naveed Akram, 24, travelled to the Philippines on 1 November. Their itinerary involved landing in the capital Manila before traveling onward that same day to Davao City. The duo flew back to Sydney on 29 November.
No Evidence of Training During Trip
Investigators have stated the duo did not undergo any type of terrorist instruction or "logistical preparation" during their visit in the Philippines. Early investigations from Philippine officials suggest they "rarely left" their hotel.
The shooting—labeled as Australia's deadliest firearm massacre since 1996—has been formally declared a act of terrorism.
"Our teams are actively reviewing the footage," the commissioner stated, adding that early reviews show that "the two men are suspected to have been lone actors."
National law enforcement Commissioner Krissy Barrett informed reporters on Tuesday that CCTV footage tracking the alleged gunmen's movements in the Philippines had been handed over to Australian authorities.
"There is no evidence to indicate these suspects were members of a broader terrorist cell, or were instructed by others to carry out an act of violence," Commissioner Barrett emphasized.
Yet, the men were likewise not necessarily in the Philippines on a leisure trip, Commissioner Barrett added. She stressed that, as the investigation is still active, fresh information could come to light.
Inspiration and Legal Charges
Previously, the nation's Prime Minister Anthony Albanese commented it seems both alleged gunmen were "inspired by Islamic State" ideology.
During the incident, Sajid Akram was killed by police. He and his son Naveed—equipped with firearms—allegedly opened fire on guests at the Hanukkah celebration.
Naveed Akram, who was wounded after the attack, has been formally accused of 59 crimes. These encompass 15 charges of murder and one count of carrying out a terrorist act. He is scheduled to face court in April.
Immigration Particulars
In the days following the shooting, border authorities in the Philippines reported that the older suspect had entered the country using an Indian passport, while his son used an domestic passport.
The duo had stated the metropolis 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 fighters have been known to be active in less developed parts of central and south-western Mindanao.
