Accused Bondi Attackers Operated Independently and Received No Instruction in the Southeast Asian Nation, Authorities Confirm.
The pair of accused attackers responsible for the lethal incident at a Jewish gathering on Bondi Beach, resulting in 15 lives, are believed to have operated independently, according to Australian police.
Investigators additionally revealed that the 50-year-old Sajid Akram, and his son Naveed Akram, 24, journeyed to the Philippines on 1 November. Their itinerary involved arriving in the main city Manila before connecting on the day of arrival to Davao City. The pair returned to Sydney on 29 November.
No Evidence of Planning During Stay
Police have stated the individuals did not undergo any type of attack-related instruction or "logistical preparation" during their visit in the Philippines. Preliminary investigations from Philippine officials suggest they "mostly stayed in" their accommodation.
The incident—declared Australia's worst firearm massacre since 1996—has been officially designated a act of terrorism.
"We are currently analyzing the evidence," she stated, adding that initial assessments indicate that "the alleged offenders are suspected to have been lone actors."
National law enforcement Chief Krissy Barrett told the press on Tuesday that CCTV footage documenting the accused attackers' movements in the Philippines had been submitted to Australian investigators.
"Our investigation shows no evidence to support the idea these suspects were members of a broader network, or were directed by others to execute an act of violence," the police chief stated.
Yet, the pair were also not in the Philippines as tourists, the official added. She stressed that, as the investigation is still active, additional details could surface.
Motivation and Legal Proceedings
Earlier, the nation's leader Anthony Albanese commented it appears both alleged gunmen were "inspired by ISIS" extremist views.
During the attack, Sajid Akram was fatally shot by responding officers. He and his son Naveed—both armed with long-barrelled guns—allegedly opened fire on attendees at the Jewish festival celebration.
Naveed Akram, who was wounded after the attack, has been charged with 59 crimes. These include 15 counts of murder and one count of carrying out a act of terrorism. He is scheduled to face court in April.
Travel Information
In the wake following the attack, immigration officials in the Philippines reported that the older suspect had arrived in the country using an Indian passport, while his son used an Australian passport.
The duo had listed the southern city of Davao as their intended endpoint. Their scheduled journey back to Australia was for Sydney.
Davao is a expansive urban center on the eastern side of Mindanao, the Philippines' largest southern island. The region is known because, Militant militants have reportedly be active in less developed parts of southern and western Mindanao.
