Alleged Bondi Shooters Operated Solo and Did Not Undergo Preparation in the Philippines, Police Confirm.
The two suspected individuals responsible for the deadly incident at a Jewish gathering on Bondi Beach, resulting in 15 lives, are believed to have been lone actors, per national police.
Authorities additionally revealed that Sajid Akram, 50, and his son Naveed Akram flew to the Philippines on 1 November. Their itinerary involved arriving in the capital Manila before transiting on the day of arrival to Davao City. The pair flew back to Sydney on 29 November.
Lack of Proof of Preparation During Visit
Police indicate the duo did not partake in any type of terrorist training or "planning" during their stay in the Philippines. Initial inquiries from local authorities suggest they "hardly ventured out of" their hotel.
The incident—described as Australia's most severe mass shooting since 1996—has been officially designated a act of terrorism.
"Our teams are actively analyzing the footage," the commissioner stated, adding that preliminary reviews indicate that "the alleged offenders are alleged to have been lone actors."
National law enforcement Commissioner Krissy Barrett briefed media on Tuesday that CCTV footage documenting the alleged gunmen's movements in the Philippines had been submitted to Australian authorities.
"Our investigation shows no evidence to indicate these accused individuals were members of a broader terrorist cell, or were acting on orders from others to execute an act of violence," the police chief emphasized.
However, the men were also not necessarily in the Philippines on a leisure trip, she clarified. She underscored that, given that the probe is continuing, fresh information may emerge.
Inspiration and Court Proceedings
Earlier, the nation's leader Anthony Albanese commented it appears both alleged gunmen were "motivated by the so-called Islamic State" beliefs.
During the incident, Sajid Akram was fatally shot by responding officers. He and his son Naveed—both armed with firearms—are accused of having shot participants at the Hanukkah celebration.
Naveed Akram, who was wounded after the attack, has been charged with 59 offences. These include 15 counts of murder and one count of committing a terrorist act. He is expected to face court in April.
Travel Information
In the days following the shooting, border authorities in the Philippines reported that the older suspect had entered the country using an Indian passport, while his younger suspect used an Australian passport.
The two had stated the metropolis of Davao as their final destination. Their scheduled return flight to Australia was for Sydney.
Davao is a large city on the east of Mindanao, the Philippines' main southern island. Historically, Islamist fighters have been known to operate in impoverished parts of southern and western Mindanao.
