Alleged Bondi Shooters Acted Solo and Did Not Undergo Instruction in the Philippines, Authorities Confirm.
The two suspected gunmen who carried out the deadly incident at a Jewish gathering on Bondi Beach, that took 15 lives, are believed to have been lone actors, according to national police.
Authorities also confirmed that the 50-year-old Sajid Akram, and his 24-year-old son Naveed Akram, 24, flew to the Philippines on 1 November. Their travel plans included arriving in the capital Manila before traveling onward on the day of arrival to Davao City. The duo returned to Sydney on 29 November.
Lack of Proof of Training During Stay
Authorities indicate the pair did not partake in any type of terrorist coaching or "logistical preparation" during their visit in the Philippines. Preliminary investigations from Philippine authorities indicate they "rarely left" their accommodation.
The shooting—described as Australia's most severe firearm massacre since 1996—has been formally declared a terrorist incident.
"Our teams are actively examining the material," she stated, explaining that early assessments show that "the two men are alleged to have acted alone."
National law enforcement Chief Krissy Barrett told the press on Tuesday that CCTV footage showing the alleged gunmen's movements in the Philippines had been handed over to domestic authorities.
"Our investigation shows no evidence to suggest these suspects were part of a wider organization, or were acting on orders from external parties to execute an incident," she emphasized.
Yet, the pair were also not in the Philippines on a leisure trip, the official clarified. She stressed that, since the probe is ongoing, additional details might surface.
Motivation and Legal Charges
Previously, the nation's Prime Minister Anthony Albanese commented it looks as though both accused gunmen were "influenced by the so-called Islamic State" beliefs.
During the incident, Sajid Akram was shot dead by police. He and his son Naveed—both armed with rifles—are accused of having targeted attendees at the Hanukkah celebration.
Naveed Akram, who was wounded after the attack, has been formally accused of 59 crimes. These comprise 15 charges of murder and one count of perpetrating a act of terrorism. He is scheduled to face court in April.
Travel Information
In the aftermath following the shooting, border officials in the Philippines reported that the older suspect had arrived in the country using an foreign passport, while his younger suspect used an domestic passport.
The two had declared the metropolis of Davao as their intended endpoint. Their pre-arranged return flight to Australia was for Sydney.
Davao is a sprawling metropolis on the eastern side of Mindanao, the Philippines' largest island in the south. The region is known because, Militant militants have reportedly operate in poorer parts of southern and western Mindanao.
