Suspected Bondi Shooters Operated Independently and Did Not Training in the Southeast Asian Nation, Investigators Say.
The two suspected attackers responsible for the deadly incident at a Hanukkah celebration on Bondi Beach, that took 15 lives, appear to have operated independently, per Australian law enforcement.
Police additionally revealed that Sajid Akram, 50, and his 24-year-old son Naveed Akram travelled to the Philippines on 1 November. Their travel plans involved arriving in the capital Manila before traveling onward on the day of arrival to Davao City. The pair returned to Sydney on 29 November.
Lack of Proof of Preparation During Trip
Police assert the pair did not receive any type of attack-related training or "logistical preparation" during their time in the Philippines. Preliminary investigations from Philippine officials indicate they "hardly ventured out of" their accommodation.
The incident—described as Australia's deadliest mass shooting since 1996—has been formally classified as a act of terrorism.
"We are actively reviewing the evidence," she stated, adding that preliminary reviews indicate that "the two men are believed to have operated independently."
Australian Federal Police Chief Krissy Barrett briefed the press on Tuesday that security camera video showing the alleged gunmen's whereabouts in the Philippines had been provided to Australian investigators.
"Our investigation shows little to no indication to suggest these suspects were affiliated with a wider network, or were directed by overseas entities to perpetrate an incident," the police chief emphasized.
But, the duo were likewise not in the Philippines for tourism, Commissioner Barrett clarified. She emphasized that, as the probe is ongoing, fresh information may come to light.
Ideology and Court Charges
Earlier, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese remarked it appears both accused attackers were "inspired by Islamic State" beliefs.
During the incident, Sajid Akram was killed by police. He and his son Naveed—both armed with rifles—allegedly opened fire on attendees at the Jewish festival event.
Naveed Akram, who was injured and taken to hospital after the shooting, has been formally accused of 59 offences. These include 15 charges of murder and one count of committing a act of terrorism. He is due to face court in April.
Travel Particulars
In the days following the attack, border authorities in the Philippines stated that the older suspect had entered the country using an foreign passport, while his son used an domestic passport.
The pair had declared the metropolis of Davao as their final destination. Their scheduled return flight to Australia was for Sydney.
Davao is a large city on the east of Mindanao, the Philippines' primary island in the south. The region is known because, Militant militants have been known to operate in less developed parts of central and south-western Mindanao.
