Alleged Bondi Beach Shooters Operated Solo and Did Not Undergo Training in the Southeast Asian Nation, Authorities State.
The two alleged attackers responsible for the fatal attack at a Hanukkah event on Bondi Beach, resulting in 15 lives, reportedly been lone actors, according to Australian police.
Authorities additionally revealed that Sajid Akram, 50, and his son Naveed Akram, 24, flew to the Philippines on 1 November. Their travel plans involved landing in the capital Manila before traveling onward that same day to Davao City. The duo returned to Sydney on 29 November.
Lack of Proof of Training During Trip
Police have stated the duo did not partake in any form of attack-related training or "logistical preparation" during their visit in the Philippines. Preliminary findings from Philippine officials suggest they "hardly ventured out of" their accommodation.
The shooting—described as Australia's deadliest firearm massacre since 1996—has been formally classified as a terrorist incident.
"Our teams are currently analyzing the material," she said, adding that preliminary assessments suggest that "the two men are suspected to have acted alone."
National law enforcement Chief Krissy Barrett told media on Tuesday that CCTV footage tracking the accused attackers' movements in the Philippines had been handed over to domestic authorities.
"Our investigation shows little to no indication to indicate these suspects were part of a broader organization, or were acting on orders from others to perpetrate an attack," the police chief emphasized.
Yet, the duo were likewise not necessarily in the Philippines on a leisure trip, Commissioner Barrett clarified. She emphasized that, given that the probe is ongoing, new evidence could surface.
Motivation and Court Proceedings
Previously, Australian leader Anthony Albanese commented it appears both accused attackers were "influenced by ISIS" ideology.
During the incident, Sajid Akram was fatally shot by responding officers. He and his son Naveed—both armed with firearms—allegedly shot attendees at the Hanukkah event.
Naveed Akram, who was injured and taken to hospital after the attack, has been charged with 59 charges. These include 15 counts of murder and one count of perpetrating a terrorist act. He is scheduled to appear in court in April.
Travel Details
In the days following the shooting, immigration officials in the Philippines stated that the father had arrived in the country using an foreign passport, while his younger suspect used an Australian passport.
The two 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 eastern side of Mindanao, the Philippines' primary island in the south. Historically, Militant groups have been known to operate in poorer parts of southern and western Mindanao.
