Accused Bondi Beach Attackers Acted Alone and Did Not Training in the Philippines, Investigators Say.
The pair of accused gunmen who carried out the lethal incident at a Hanukkah celebration on Bondi Beach, which claimed 15 lives, are believed to have acted alone, according to national authorities.
Investigators also confirmed that Sajid Akram, 50, and his son Naveed Akram journeyed to the Philippines on 1 November. Their travel plans included arriving in the capital Manila before transiting on the day of arrival to Davao City. The duo flew back to Sydney on 29 November.
Lack of Proof of Planning During Visit
Investigators indicate the pair did not partake in any type of attack-related instruction or "logistical preparation" during their time in the Philippines. Initial findings from Philippine authorities indicate they "rarely left" their hotel.
The attack—declared Australia's most severe firearm massacre since 1996—has been formally classified as a terrorist incident.
"We are actively analyzing the footage," the commissioner said, explaining that preliminary evaluations show that "the alleged offenders are alleged to have been lone actors."
National law enforcement Commissioner Krissy Barrett informed the press on Tuesday that CCTV footage documenting the alleged gunmen's whereabouts in the Philippines had been submitted to Australian investigators.
"Our investigation shows little to no indication to indicate these suspects were part of a larger organization, or were directed by overseas entities to carry out an attack," the police chief stated.
However, the duo were also not necessarily in the Philippines on a leisure trip, Commissioner Barrett noted. She underscored that, as the investigation is still active, fresh information could surface.
Motivation and Legal Proceedings
In prior statements, Australian leader Anthony Albanese commented it looks as though both alleged attackers were "motivated by ISIS" beliefs.
During the shooting, Sajid Akram was shot dead by responding officers. He and his son Naveed—equipped with rifles—are accused of having opened fire on participants at the Jewish festival celebration.
Naveed Akram, who was hospitalised after the shooting, has been charged with 59 offences. These comprise 15 charges of murder and one count of perpetrating a act of terrorism. He is scheduled to face court in April.
Immigration Information
In the aftermath following the attack, border authorities in the Philippines indicated that the father had arrived in the country using an foreign passport, while his son used an domestic passport.
The pair had listed the metropolis of Davao as their final destination. Their booked return flight to Australia was for Sydney.
Davao is a large city on the eastern side of Mindanao, the Philippines' largest island in the south. It is noted that, Militant groups have been known to be active in poorer parts of central and south-western Mindanao.
