Suspected Bondi Shooters Acted Independently and Did Not Undergo Training in the Southeast Asian Nation, Investigators State.
The two alleged individuals who carried out the fatal incident at a Jewish celebration on Bondi Beach, which claimed 15 lives, appear to have been lone actors, according to Australian authorities.
Police further stated that the 50-year-old Sajid Akram, and his son Naveed Akram journeyed to the Philippines on 1 November. Their itinerary included landing in the main city Manila before transiting on the day of arrival to Davao City. The duo returned to Sydney on 29 November.
No Evidence of Training During Visit
Investigators have stated the individuals did not receive any form of attack-related instruction or "planning" during their time in the Philippines. Initial investigations from local authorities point to they "hardly ventured out of" their accommodation.
The shooting—declared Australia's deadliest firearm massacre since 1996—has been officially declared a terrorist incident.
"We are currently examining the material," the commissioner stated, noting that initial reviews suggest that "these individuals are suspected to have operated independently."
Australian Federal Police Commissioner Krissy Barrett briefed the press on Tuesday that surveillance material documenting the accused attackers' whereabouts in the Philippines had been provided to domestic authorities.
"Our investigation shows little to no indication to suggest these suspects were affiliated with a wider organization, or were directed by overseas entities to execute an act of violence," Commissioner Barrett stated.
Yet, the men were likewise not in the Philippines for tourism, she clarified. She underscored that, as the investigation is continuing, new evidence could surface.
Motivation and Court Proceedings
In prior statements, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese remarked it seems both accused attackers were "motivated by Islamic State" extremist views.
During the attack, Sajid Akram was killed by police. He and his son Naveed—reportedly carrying rifles—are accused of having targeted guests at the Hanukkah event.
Naveed Akram, who was hospitalised after the attack, has been formally accused of 59 offences. These comprise 15 counts of murder and one count of carrying out a terrorist act. He is scheduled to appear in court in April.
Travel Particulars
In the aftermath following the shooting, immigration officials in the Philippines reported that the older suspect had entered the country using an Indian passport, while his son used an Australian passport.
The pair had listed the southern city of Davao as their final destination. Their scheduled journey back to Australia was for Sydney.
Davao is a expansive city on the east of Mindanao, the Philippines' largest island in the south. The region is known because, Islamist groups have been known to operate in poorer parts of central and south-western Mindanao.
