Accused Bondi Beach Shooters Acted Alone and Did Not Undergo Preparation in the Philippines, Authorities State.
The pair of accused gunmen who carried out the lethal shooting at a Hanukkah event on Bondi Beach, that took 15 lives, are believed to have operated independently, per Australian police.
Investigators further stated that the 50-year-old Sajid Akram, and his 24-year-old son Naveed Akram, 24, travelled to the Philippines on 1 November. Their itinerary included arriving in the main city Manila before transiting on the day of arrival to Davao City. The father and son returned to Sydney on 29 November.
Lack of Proof of Planning During Trip
Investigators have stated the pair did not partake in any form of attack-related coaching or "logistical preparation" during their visit in the Philippines. Preliminary investigations from local authorities indicate they "hardly ventured out of" their accommodation.
The shooting—described as Australia's worst firearm massacre since 1996—has been officially declared a act of terrorism.
"Our teams are currently analyzing the evidence," she said, adding that early reviews show that "these individuals are alleged to have operated independently."
National law enforcement Commissioner Krissy Barrett briefed the press on Tuesday that security camera video tracking the accused attackers' whereabouts in the Philippines had been submitted to Australian authorities.
"Our investigation shows little to no indication to suggest these alleged offenders were part of a wider network, or were acting on orders from others to carry out an act of violence," she said.
Yet, the pair were also not in the Philippines as tourists, the official noted. She underscored that, given that the investigation is ongoing, additional details may come to light.
Motivation and Legal Proceedings
Previously, Australian leader Anthony Albanese said it appears both alleged gunmen were "motivated by the so-called Islamic State" beliefs.
During the incident, Sajid Akram was shot dead by responding officers. He and his son Naveed—reportedly carrying firearms—allegedly shot attendees at the Jewish festival event.
Naveed Akram, who was injured and taken to hospital after the attack, has been charged with 59 charges. These include 15 counts of murder and one count of committing a terrorist act. He is expected to appear in court in April.
Immigration Particulars
In the aftermath following the attack, immigration officials in the Philippines stated that the older suspect had arrived in the country using an foreign passport, while his son used an Australian passport.
The duo had stated the southern city of Davao as their final destination. Their scheduled journey back to Australia was for Sydney.
Davao is a large metropolis on the east of Mindanao, the Philippines' largest island in the south. The region is known because, Militant militants have been known to operate in impoverished parts of central and south-western Mindanao.
