Accused Bondi Shooters Operated Independently and Did Not Instruction in the Philippines, Police Say.
The two alleged individuals responsible for the fatal attack at a Jewish celebration on Bondi Beach, which claimed 15 lives, reportedly been lone actors, according to Australian law enforcement.
Police also confirmed that the 50-year-old Sajid Akram, and his 24-year-old son Naveed Akram journeyed to the Philippines on 1 November. Their travel plans involved landing in the main city Manila before transiting on the day of arrival to Davao City. The duo returned to Sydney on 29 November.
Lack of Proof of Planning During Visit
Investigators have stated the individuals did not undergo any form of attack-related instruction or "organizing" during their time in the Philippines. Early inquiries from Philippine authorities point to they "hardly ventured out of" their accommodation.
The shooting—declared Australia's deadliest mass shooting since 1996—has been officially designated a terrorist incident.
"Our teams are currently analyzing the material," she stated, adding that early assessments suggest that "these individuals are believed to have operated independently."
Australian Federal Police Commissioner Krissy Barrett told reporters on Tuesday that CCTV footage tracking the accused attackers' activities in the Philippines had been handed over to Australian investigators.
"Our investigation shows no evidence to indicate these accused individuals were members of a broader organization, or were acting on orders from overseas entities to carry out an attack," the police chief emphasized.
Yet, the men were also not in the Philippines on a leisure trip, Commissioner Barrett added. She underscored that, since the investigation is continuing, new evidence could come to light.
Inspiration and Court Charges
Earlier, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said it seems both alleged attackers were "motivated by Islamic State" extremist views.
During the attack, Sajid Akram was killed by responding officers. He and his son Naveed—both armed with rifles—are accused of having opened fire on guests at the Hanukkah celebration.
Naveed Akram, who was injured and taken to hospital after the shooting, has been charged with 59 charges. These encompass 15 counts of murder and one count of committing a act of terrorism. He is due to face court in April.
Immigration Particulars
In the aftermath following the attack, immigration officials in the Philippines stated that the father had entered the country using an Indian passport, while his younger suspect used an domestic passport.
The duo had declared the southern city of Davao as their final destination. Their booked journey back to Australia was for Sydney.
Davao is a sprawling metropolis on the east of Mindanao, the Philippines' main southern island. It is noted that, Militant militants have reportedly be active in poorer parts of central and south-western Mindanao.
