Alleged Bondi Beach Shooters Acted Solo and Did Not Preparation in the Philippines, Investigators Say.
The two alleged individuals responsible for the lethal shooting at a Hanukkah event on Bondi Beach, that took 15 lives, are believed to have been lone actors, per Australian authorities.
Police additionally revealed that Sajid Akram, 50, and his son Naveed Akram flew to the Philippines on 1 November. Their itinerary included landing in the capital Manila before connecting that same day to Davao City. The father and son returned to Sydney on 29 November.
No Evidence of Preparation During Visit
Investigators indicate the pair did not undergo any type of attack-related training or "organizing" during their visit in the Philippines. Preliminary inquiries from local authorities indicate they "hardly ventured out of" their hotel.
The incident—declared Australia's worst firearm massacre since 1996—has been officially classified as a terrorist incident.
"We are currently examining the material," the commissioner said, noting that early assessments show that "these individuals are alleged to have been lone actors."
Australian Federal Police Chief Krissy Barrett informed media on Tuesday that CCTV footage documenting the alleged gunmen's whereabouts in the Philippines had been provided to Australian authorities.
"There is no evidence to suggest these alleged offenders were part of a broader organization, or were acting on orders from others to execute an act of violence," the police chief emphasized.
However, the men were additionally not in the Philippines on a leisure trip, she added. She stressed that, given that the probe is ongoing, additional details might emerge.
Ideology and Court Proceedings
Previously, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese commented it looks as though both alleged attackers were "influenced by the so-called Islamic State" extremist views.
During the shooting, Sajid Akram was shot dead by police. He and his son Naveed—equipped with firearms—are accused of having targeted attendees at the Jewish festival event.
Naveed Akram, who was wounded after the shooting, has been charged with 59 crimes. These comprise 15 charges of murder and one count of carrying out a terrorist act. He is expected to face court in April.
Travel Particulars
In the wake following the shooting, border officials in the Philippines reported that the older suspect had entered the country using an Indian passport, while his son used an Australian passport.
The pair had listed the southern city of Davao as their final destination. Their booked return flight to Australia was for Sydney.
Davao is a expansive metropolis on the eastern side of Mindanao, the Philippines' largest island in the south. It is noted that, Islamist groups have reportedly operate in impoverished parts of central and south-western Mindanao.
