Suspected Bondi Gunmen Acted Independently and Did Not Instruction in the Southeast Asian Nation, Authorities Confirm.
The two suspected attackers who carried out the deadly attack at a Jewish event on Bondi Beach, which claimed 15 lives, reportedly operated independently, according to national authorities.
Investigators further stated that Sajid Akram, 50, and his 24-year-old son Naveed Akram journeyed to the Philippines on 1 November. Their travel plans involved arriving in the main city Manila before transiting that same day to Davao City. The father and son returned to Sydney on 29 November.
Lack of Proof of Planning During Stay
Authorities have stated the individuals did not receive any type of attack-related training or "organizing" during their stay in the Philippines. Preliminary investigations from local authorities indicate they "mostly stayed in" their hotel.
The incident—declared Australia's most severe mass shooting since 1996—has been officially designated a act of terrorism.
"Our teams are currently analyzing the material," the commissioner stated, noting that initial assessments show that "the alleged offenders are suspected to have operated independently."
National law enforcement Chief Krissy Barrett briefed the press on Tuesday that security camera video showing the alleged gunmen's whereabouts in the Philippines had been provided to domestic investigators.
"There is no evidence to suggest these accused individuals were members of a wider network, or were instructed by overseas entities to carry out an attack," the police chief stated.
But, the duo were likewise not in the Philippines as tourists, she added. She underscored that, given that the investigation is continuing, fresh information may surface.
Inspiration and Court Proceedings
Previously, the nation's leader Anthony Albanese remarked it seems both alleged gunmen were "inspired by Islamic State" extremist views.
During the shooting, Sajid Akram was killed by responding officers. He and his son Naveed—reportedly carrying firearms—allegedly targeted attendees at the Hanukkah celebration.
Naveed Akram, who was wounded after the shooting, has been formally accused of 59 offences. These include 15 counts of murder and one count of perpetrating a act of terrorism. He is due to appear in court in April.
Travel Details
In the aftermath following the attack, immigration authorities in the Philippines stated that the father had arrived in the country using an Indian passport, while his younger suspect used an Australian passport.
The pair had declared the metropolis of Davao as their final destination. Their booked return flight to Australia was for Sydney.
Davao is a large urban center on the eastern side of Mindanao, the Philippines' largest island in the south. The region is known because, Militant fighters have been known to operate in less developed parts of central and south-western Mindanao.
