Suspected Bondi Shooters Operated Solo and Did Not Preparation in the Philippines, Investigators Confirm.
The two alleged individuals who carried out the fatal incident at a Jewish gathering on Bondi Beach, resulting in 15 lives, reportedly been lone actors, as stated by national authorities.
Investigators further stated that the 50-year-old Sajid Akram, and his 24-year-old son Naveed Akram, 24, flew to the Philippines on 1 November. Their travel plans involved landing in the main city Manila before transiting that same day to Davao City. The pair flew back to Sydney on 29 November.
No Evidence of Planning During Stay
Investigators assert the duo did not receive any form of terrorist training or "logistical preparation" during their visit in the Philippines. Early investigations from Philippine authorities point to they "hardly ventured out of" their accommodation.
The shooting—labeled as Australia's worst mass shooting since 1996—has been formally designated a terrorist incident.
"Our teams are currently reviewing the material," the commissioner stated, adding that preliminary reviews indicate that "the two men are alleged to have acted alone."
National law enforcement Chief Krissy Barrett informed reporters on Tuesday that CCTV footage documenting the alleged gunmen's movements in the Philippines had been submitted to domestic authorities.
"Our investigation shows no evidence to support the idea these alleged offenders were affiliated with a broader organization, or were instructed by overseas entities to execute an act of violence," Commissioner Barrett emphasized.
However, the pair were also not in the Philippines as tourists, she added. She emphasized that, since the inquiry is continuing, new evidence may come to light.
Inspiration and Court Charges
In prior statements, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese remarked it seems both accused attackers were "motivated by ISIS" beliefs.
During the attack, Sajid Akram was fatally shot by police. He and his son Naveed—both armed with long-barrelled guns—are accused of having targeted guests at the Jewish festival celebration.
Naveed Akram, who was hospitalised after the attack, has been formally accused of 59 charges. These encompass 15 charges of murder and one count of carrying out a act of terrorism. He is due to appear in court in April.
Immigration Information
In the aftermath following the attack, border officials in the Philippines reported that the father had arrived in the country using an foreign passport, while his younger suspect used an domestic passport.
The duo had stated the southern city of Davao as their final destination. Their pre-arranged journey back to Australia was for Sydney.
Davao is a large metropolis on the east of Mindanao, the Philippines' largest island in the south. Historically, Islamist groups have been known to be active in less developed parts of southern and western Mindanao.
