Suspected Bondi Beach Shooters Acted Alone and Received No Training in the Philippines, Authorities Confirm.
The two suspected individuals who carried out the deadly incident at a Hanukkah celebration on Bondi Beach, that took 15 lives, appear to have operated independently, as stated by Australian law enforcement.
Investigators further stated that the 50-year-old Sajid Akram, and his 24-year-old son Naveed Akram travelled to the Philippines on 1 November. Their itinerary included landing in the capital Manila before transiting that same day to Davao City. The duo flew back to Sydney on 29 November.
Lack of Proof of Preparation During Trip
Authorities assert the duo did not receive any form of terrorist instruction or "planning" during their time in the Philippines. Initial inquiries from local officials indicate they "mostly stayed in" their hotel.
The shooting—described as Australia's most severe mass shooting since 1996—has been formally designated a act of terrorism.
"Our teams are currently examining the material," the commissioner stated, adding that early assessments suggest that "the alleged offenders are believed to have acted alone."
National law enforcement Commissioner Krissy Barrett briefed reporters on Tuesday that surveillance material documenting the alleged gunmen's whereabouts in the Philippines had been handed over to domestic investigators.
"There is no evidence to indicate these alleged offenders were affiliated with a broader terrorist cell, or were acting on orders from overseas entities to execute an act of violence," Commissioner Barrett stated.
But, the pair were additionally not necessarily in the Philippines for tourism, the official added. She stressed that, as the inquiry is ongoing, additional details might emerge.
Motivation and Court Proceedings
Earlier, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said it looks as though both alleged attackers were "motivated by ISIS" beliefs.
During the attack, Sajid Akram was killed by responding officers. He and his son Naveed—equipped with rifles—allegedly opened fire on attendees at the Jewish festival celebration.
Naveed Akram, who was wounded after the attack, has been charged with 59 charges. These encompass 15 charges of murder and one count of committing a act of terrorism. He is expected to appear in court in April.
Immigration Details
In the wake following the shooting, border officials in the Philippines stated that the father had arrived in the country using an Indian passport, while his son used an Australian passport.
The two had listed the southern city of Davao as their final destination. Their scheduled journey back to Australia was for Sydney.
Davao is a expansive urban center on the east of Mindanao, the Philippines' main southern island. The region is known because, Militant fighters have reportedly operate in poorer parts of southern and western Mindanao.
