Suspected Bondi Attackers Operated Solo and Did Not Instruction in the Philippines, Police Confirm.
The two alleged attackers who carried out the fatal shooting at a Jewish gathering on Bondi Beach, which claimed 15 lives, are believed to have acted alone, per national police.
Police further stated that the 50-year-old Sajid Akram, and his 24-year-old son Naveed Akram, 24, journeyed to the Philippines on 1 November. Their travel plans included landing in the main city Manila before traveling onward that same day to Davao City. The pair returned to Sydney on 29 November.
Lack of Proof of Preparation During Visit
Police indicate the pair did not partake in any type of terrorist instruction or "logistical preparation" during their stay in the Philippines. Early inquiries from Philippine officials suggest they "hardly ventured out of" their hotel.
The attack—declared Australia's worst mass shooting since 1996—has been officially designated a act of terrorism.
"Our teams are currently analyzing the footage," the commissioner said, noting that initial assessments indicate that "these individuals are suspected to have been lone actors."
Australian Federal Police Chief Krissy Barrett informed reporters on Tuesday that security camera video documenting the accused attackers' whereabouts in the Philippines had been submitted to Australian authorities.
"Our investigation shows no evidence to support the idea these suspects were affiliated with a wider terrorist cell, or were acting on orders from overseas entities to perpetrate an attack," the police chief stated.
Yet, the pair were also not necessarily in the Philippines for tourism, she added. She stressed that, given that the probe is ongoing, fresh information may emerge.
Ideology and Court Proceedings
Previously, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese remarked it appears both accused attackers were "inspired by the so-called Islamic State" beliefs.
During the incident, Sajid Akram was shot dead by responding officers. He and his son Naveed—both armed with rifles—are accused of having opened fire on participants at the Hanukkah event.
Naveed Akram, who was wounded after the shooting, has been charged with 59 charges. These encompass 15 charges of murder and one count of perpetrating a terrorist act. He is expected to face court in April.
Immigration Information
In the aftermath following the shooting, border officials in the Philippines indicated that the older suspect had arrived in the country using an Indian passport, while his son used an Australian passport.
The duo had declared the metropolis of Davao as their final destination. Their pre-arranged journey back to Australia was for Sydney.
Davao is a expansive urban center on the eastern side of Mindanao, the Philippines' primary southern island. Historically, Militant militants have reportedly operate in less developed parts of southern and western Mindanao.