Accused Bondi Attackers Operated Independently and Received No Instruction in the Southeast Asian Nation, Police State.
The pair of accused attackers who carried out the lethal shooting at a Jewish event on Bondi Beach, that took 15 lives, appear to have acted alone, according to Australian authorities.
Police further stated that the 50-year-old Sajid Akram, and his son Naveed Akram travelled to the Philippines on 1 November. Their travel plans involved arriving in the capital Manila before transiting on the day of arrival to Davao City. The duo returned to Sydney on 29 November.
No Evidence of Preparation During Visit
Authorities have stated the duo did not receive any type of terrorist training or "planning" during their visit in the Philippines. Preliminary investigations from local authorities suggest they "hardly ventured out of" their hotel.
The attack—described as Australia's most severe mass shooting since 1996—has been officially designated a terrorist incident.
"Our teams are currently reviewing the evidence," she said, explaining that initial assessments suggest that "the two men are alleged to have acted alone."
Australian Federal Police Chief Krissy Barrett informed reporters on Tuesday that CCTV footage tracking the accused attackers' whereabouts in the Philippines had been submitted to Australian investigators.
"There is little to no indication to suggest these suspects were part of a wider terrorist cell, or were instructed by others to perpetrate an attack," Commissioner Barrett said.
But, the pair were likewise not in the Philippines on a leisure trip, Commissioner Barrett clarified. She stressed that, since the probe is continuing, new evidence could surface.
Inspiration and Legal Charges
Earlier, Australian leader Anthony Albanese commented it seems both accused gunmen were "influenced by the so-called Islamic State" ideology.
During the attack, Sajid Akram was fatally shot by responding officers. He and his son Naveed—equipped with rifles—allegedly opened fire on guests at the Hanukkah celebration.
Naveed Akram, who was injured and taken to hospital after the shooting, has been formally accused of 59 offences. These comprise 15 charges of murder and one count of carrying out a act of terrorism. He is scheduled to appear in court in April.
Travel Information
In the aftermath following the attack, immigration officials in the Philippines stated that the older suspect had arrived in the country using an Indian passport, while his younger suspect 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 expansive metropolis on the east of Mindanao, the Philippines' primary southern island. It is noted that, Militant militants have reportedly be active in less developed parts of southern and western Mindanao.
