Accused Bondi Beach Gunmen Operated Alone and Did Not Instruction in the Southeast Asian Nation, Investigators State.
The two alleged attackers who carried out the fatal incident at a Hanukkah celebration on Bondi Beach, which claimed 15 lives, appear to have been lone actors, according to Australian law enforcement.
Investigators further stated that the 50-year-old Sajid Akram, and his son Naveed Akram travelled to the Philippines on 1 November. Their travel plans included arriving in the capital Manila before traveling onward that same day to Davao City. The duo returned to Sydney on 29 November.
Lack of Proof of Training During Stay
Police have stated the individuals did not undergo any form of attack-related coaching or "organizing" during their time in the Philippines. Initial inquiries from local authorities point to they "rarely left" their hotel.
The attack—described as Australia's worst mass shooting since 1996—has been formally declared a act of terrorism.
"We are actively analyzing the footage," the commissioner stated, adding that initial reviews indicate that "these individuals are believed to have acted alone."
Australian Federal Police Commissioner Krissy Barrett briefed the press on Tuesday that security camera video documenting the alleged gunmen's movements in the Philippines had been submitted to domestic investigators.
"Our investigation shows little to no indication to indicate these accused individuals were affiliated with a larger organization, or were directed by others to execute an act of violence," the police chief stated.
But, the duo were also not in the Philippines on a leisure trip, the official clarified. She stressed that, given that the investigation is continuing, additional details may surface.
Motivation and Legal Proceedings
In prior statements, the nation's leader Anthony Albanese said it looks as though both accused attackers were "inspired by the so-called Islamic State" beliefs.
During the attack, Sajid Akram was killed by responding officers. He and his son Naveed—reportedly carrying long-barrelled guns—allegedly targeted attendees at the Jewish festival event.
Naveed Akram, who was injured and taken to hospital after the shooting, has been formally accused of 59 crimes. These encompass 15 counts of murder and one count of committing a terrorist act. He is due to appear in court in April.
Travel Details
In the wake following the attack, immigration authorities in the Philippines reported that the father had arrived in the country using an foreign passport, while his son used an Australian passport.
The pair had stated the metropolis of Davao as their intended endpoint. Their scheduled return flight to Australia was for Sydney.
Davao is a sprawling city on the east of Mindanao, the Philippines' largest island in the south. The region is known because, Militant fighters have been known to be active in less developed parts of central and south-western Mindanao.
