Accused Bondi Shooters Operated Solo and Did Not Training in the Philippines, Investigators State.
The two alleged attackers who carried out the fatal shooting at a Hanukkah gathering on Bondi Beach, that took 15 lives, appear to have acted alone, according to Australian law enforcement.
Police further stated that Sajid Akram, 50, and his 24-year-old son Naveed Akram travelled to the Philippines on 1 November. Their travel plans involved landing in the main city Manila before traveling onward on the day of arrival to Davao City. The father and son returned to Sydney on 29 November.
No Evidence of Preparation During Trip
Police have stated the pair did not undergo any type of attack-related training or "organizing" during their visit in the Philippines. Early investigations from Philippine officials point to they "hardly ventured out of" their hotel.
The shooting—declared Australia's worst mass shooting since 1996—has been formally classified as a act of terrorism.
"We are currently reviewing the material," she stated, explaining that preliminary assessments show that "the alleged offenders are suspected to have operated independently."
National law enforcement Chief Krissy Barrett briefed media on Tuesday that surveillance material showing the accused attackers' movements in the Philippines had been submitted to domestic authorities.
"There is no evidence to suggest these alleged offenders were affiliated with a larger organization, or were instructed by others to carry out an act of violence," she said.
However, the men were also not in the Philippines on a leisure trip, the official noted. She emphasized that, since the investigation is ongoing, new evidence may surface.
Inspiration and Legal Charges
In prior statements, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese commented it looks as though both alleged gunmen were "motivated by the so-called Islamic State" extremist views.
During the attack, Sajid Akram was fatally shot by responding officers. He and his son Naveed—reportedly carrying rifles—are accused of having opened fire on attendees at the Hanukkah celebration.
Naveed Akram, who was hospitalised after the attack, has been formally accused of 59 offences. These include 15 counts of murder and one count of perpetrating a act of terrorism. He is scheduled to face court in April.
Travel Information
In the wake following the attack, immigration authorities 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 two had stated the southern city of Davao as their final destination. Their booked journey back to Australia was for Sydney.
Davao is a expansive city on the east of Mindanao, the Philippines' main southern island. Historically, Islamist fighters have reportedly operate in poorer parts of central and south-western Mindanao.
