Accused Bondi Beach Attackers Acted Alone and Did Not Instruction in the Philippines, Police Confirm.
The two suspected individuals responsible for the lethal incident at a Hanukkah event on Bondi Beach, which claimed 15 lives, reportedly acted alone, per Australian law enforcement.
Investigators further stated that Sajid Akram, 50, and his son Naveed Akram, 24, travelled to the Philippines on 1 November. Their travel plans included arriving in the main city Manila before connecting on the day of arrival to Davao City. The duo returned to Sydney on 29 November.
Lack of Proof of Planning During Stay
Police have stated the individuals did not partake in any type of terrorist coaching or "logistical preparation" during their visit in the Philippines. Initial investigations from local officials suggest they "mostly stayed in" their accommodation.
The shooting—declared Australia's worst mass shooting since 1996—has been formally declared a act of terrorism.
"We are actively examining the evidence," she said, noting that initial evaluations indicate that "the two men are suspected to have been lone actors."
Australian Federal Police Chief Krissy Barrett briefed media on Tuesday that CCTV footage showing the alleged gunmen's movements in the Philippines had been provided to domestic investigators.
"Our investigation shows little to no indication to support the idea these alleged offenders were affiliated with a wider terrorist cell, or were acting on orders from external parties to execute an attack," she stated.
But, the pair were likewise not in the Philippines as tourists, she noted. She stressed that, given that the probe is ongoing, new evidence might come to light.
Inspiration and Legal Proceedings
Earlier, the nation's Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said it looks as though both alleged attackers were "influenced by Islamic State" beliefs.
During the incident, Sajid Akram was fatally shot by responding officers. He and his son Naveed—reportedly carrying long-barrelled guns—allegedly opened fire on participants at the Jewish festival event.
Naveed Akram, who was injured and taken to hospital after the shooting, has been charged with 59 offences. These include 15 charges of murder and one count of perpetrating a terrorist act. He is due to appear in court in April.
Immigration Information
In the days following the attack, immigration authorities in the Philippines indicated that the father had entered the country using an Indian passport, while his younger suspect used an domestic passport.
The two had stated the metropolis of Davao as their intended endpoint. Their pre-arranged journey back to Australia was for Sydney.
Davao is a large metropolis on the east of Mindanao, the Philippines' largest island in the south. Historically, Militant groups have reportedly operate in poorer parts of central and south-western Mindanao.
