Accused Bondi Attackers Operated Solo and Did Not Training in the Southeast Asian Nation, Investigators State.
The two alleged gunmen responsible for the fatal attack at a Jewish celebration on Bondi Beach, resulting in 15 lives, are believed to have acted alone, per Australian authorities.
Police further stated that Sajid Akram, 50, and his 24-year-old son Naveed Akram journeyed to the Philippines on 1 November. Their itinerary included landing in the capital Manila before traveling onward that same day to Davao City. The pair returned to Sydney on 29 November.
No Evidence of Training During Visit
Police assert the individuals did not undergo any type of attack-related instruction or "organizing" during their stay in the Philippines. Preliminary inquiries from Philippine officials indicate they "rarely left" their accommodation.
The attack—described as Australia's worst mass shooting since 1996—has been formally designated a terrorist incident.
"Our teams are currently reviewing the evidence," she said, adding that initial reviews indicate that "the alleged offenders are believed to have acted alone."
National law enforcement Chief Krissy Barrett briefed media on Tuesday that security camera video documenting the alleged gunmen's activities in the Philippines had been provided to domestic authorities.
"Our investigation shows no evidence to support the idea these suspects were members of a wider network, or were acting on orders from overseas entities to execute an incident," the police chief emphasized.
But, the duo were additionally not in the Philippines for tourism, she clarified. She emphasized that, given that the investigation is still active, fresh information could emerge.
Ideology and Court Proceedings
Earlier, the nation's leader Anthony Albanese remarked it appears both alleged attackers were "influenced by the so-called Islamic State" extremist views.
During the shooting, Sajid Akram was fatally shot by police. He and his son Naveed—reportedly carrying rifles—allegedly targeted guests at the Hanukkah celebration.
Naveed Akram, who was wounded after the shooting, has been charged with 59 charges. These include 15 counts of murder and one count of carrying out a act of terrorism. He is expected to face court in April.
Immigration Information
In the aftermath following the attack, border authorities in the Philippines stated that the older suspect had entered the country using an Indian passport, while his son used an Australian 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 expansive metropolis on the east of Mindanao, the Philippines' main island in the south. Historically, Islamist fighters have been known to operate in impoverished parts of southern and western Mindanao.