Accused Bondi Gunmen Acted Solo and Received No Preparation in the Philippines, Investigators State.
The two alleged attackers who carried out the fatal attack at a Jewish celebration on Bondi Beach, resulting in 15 lives, are believed to have been lone actors, as stated by national police.
Police further stated that the 50-year-old Sajid Akram, and his 24-year-old son Naveed Akram, 24, travelled 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 Preparation During Stay
Authorities indicate the individuals did not receive any type of terrorist coaching or "logistical preparation" during their stay in the Philippines. Initial findings from local authorities indicate they "hardly ventured out of" their hotel.
The incident—labeled as Australia's deadliest mass shooting since 1996—has been officially declared a act of terrorism.
"Our teams are currently analyzing the evidence," she stated, noting that preliminary reviews suggest that "the alleged offenders are suspected to have acted alone."
National law enforcement Chief Krissy Barrett briefed media on Tuesday that CCTV footage documenting the alleged gunmen's whereabouts in the Philippines had been submitted to Australian investigators.
"There is little to no indication to indicate these accused individuals were members of a broader organization, or were instructed by others to carry out an attack," she said.
Yet, the duo were additionally not in the Philippines on a leisure trip, Commissioner Barrett added. She stressed that, since the investigation is continuing, additional details might come to light.
Ideology and Court Charges
Earlier, Australian leader Anthony Albanese said it looks as though both alleged attackers were "inspired by ISIS" beliefs.
During the attack, Sajid Akram was shot dead by responding officers. He and his son Naveed—equipped with long-barrelled guns—are accused of having opened fire on participants at the Jewish festival event.
Naveed Akram, who was injured and taken to hospital after the attack, has been charged with 59 charges. These include 15 charges of murder and one count of committing a terrorist act. He is scheduled to appear in court in April.
Travel Details
In the wake following the shooting, border authorities in the Philippines reported that the father had entered the country using an Indian passport, while his son used an domestic passport.
The pair had listed the southern city of Davao as their final destination. Their booked return flight to Australia was for Sydney.
Davao is a sprawling urban center on the eastern side of Mindanao, the Philippines' primary southern island. The region is known because, Islamist fighters have been known to operate in poorer parts of central and south-western Mindanao.
