Suspected Bondi Attackers Acted Solo and Received No Training in the Philippines, Investigators Say.
The two suspected gunmen responsible for the deadly attack at a Hanukkah celebration on Bondi Beach, that took 15 lives, reportedly acted alone, as stated by national law enforcement.
Investigators further stated that the 50-year-old Sajid Akram, and his son Naveed Akram, 24, flew to the Philippines on 1 November. Their itinerary involved arriving in the main city Manila before traveling onward on the day of arrival to Davao City. The duo returned to Sydney on 29 November.
No Evidence of Preparation During Stay
Investigators indicate the duo did not partake in any type of terrorist coaching or "organizing" during their stay in the Philippines. Early investigations from Philippine officials point to they "hardly ventured out of" their accommodation.
The incident—described as Australia's worst mass shooting since 1996—has been formally designated a terrorist incident.
"We are currently reviewing the material," she said, adding that early reviews suggest that "the alleged offenders are suspected to have acted alone."
Australian Federal Police Commissioner Krissy Barrett briefed media on Tuesday that security camera video showing the accused attackers' whereabouts in the Philippines had been handed over to Australian investigators.
"There is no evidence to suggest these alleged offenders were affiliated with a larger terrorist cell, or were instructed by overseas entities to carry out an attack," Commissioner Barrett emphasized.
Yet, the pair were likewise not necessarily in the Philippines on a leisure trip, the official added. She stressed that, given that the investigation is continuing, fresh information might surface.
Motivation and Legal Charges
Earlier, the nation's leader Anthony Albanese remarked it appears both accused gunmen were "inspired by ISIS" beliefs.
During the shooting, Sajid Akram was fatally shot by responding officers. He and his son Naveed—reportedly carrying long-barrelled guns—are accused of having opened fire on guests at the Hanukkah celebration.
Naveed Akram, who was hospitalised after the attack, has been charged with 59 crimes. These comprise 15 counts of murder and one count of committing a terrorist act. He is scheduled to face court in April.
Travel Details
In the wake following the attack, border authorities in the Philippines indicated that the older suspect had arrived in the country using an foreign passport, while his younger suspect used an Australian passport.
The two had declared the metropolis of Davao as their intended endpoint. Their scheduled journey back to Australia was for Sydney.
Davao is a expansive city on the eastern side of Mindanao, the Philippines' largest island in the south. It is noted that, Militant militants have reportedly be active in impoverished parts of central and south-western Mindanao.
