Suspected Bondi Beach Gunmen Operated Alone and Did Not Instruction in the Southeast Asian Nation, Police State.
The two alleged gunmen who carried out the deadly attack at a Jewish gathering on Bondi Beach, which claimed 15 lives, are believed to have been lone actors, as stated by national police.
Police also confirmed that Sajid Akram, 50, and his 24-year-old son Naveed Akram, 24, journeyed to the Philippines on 1 November. Their travel plans included landing in the main city Manila before connecting that same day to Davao City. The pair returned to Sydney on 29 November.
Lack of Proof of Planning During Visit
Police assert the individuals did not receive any form of attack-related instruction or "logistical preparation" during their time in the Philippines. Early inquiries from Philippine authorities suggest they "hardly ventured out of" their accommodation.
The shooting—declared Australia's worst firearm massacre since 1996—has been officially declared a act of terrorism.
"We are currently examining the material," the commissioner stated, noting that early reviews suggest that "the alleged offenders are believed to have been lone actors."
Australian Federal Police Chief Krissy Barrett told media on Tuesday that CCTV footage documenting the accused attackers' movements in the Philippines had been handed over to Australian authorities.
"Our investigation shows little to no indication to suggest these alleged offenders were members of a larger organization, or were instructed by external parties to carry out an attack," she said.
Yet, the pair were also not in the Philippines on a leisure trip, the official added. She emphasized that, as the inquiry is still active, additional details might come to light.
Motivation and Legal Proceedings
In prior statements, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said it appears both accused gunmen were "inspired by Islamic State" extremist views.
During the shooting, Sajid Akram was killed by responding officers. He and his son Naveed—equipped with rifles—are accused of having targeted participants at the Hanukkah celebration.
Naveed Akram, who was hospitalised after the attack, has been charged with 59 offences. These comprise 15 charges of murder and one count of perpetrating a act of terrorism. He is scheduled to appear in court in April.
Travel Details
In the wake following the shooting, immigration authorities in the Philippines stated that the older suspect had arrived in the country using an foreign passport, while his younger suspect used an Australian passport.
The duo had stated the metropolis of Davao as their intended endpoint. Their booked return flight to Australia was for Sydney.
Davao is a large metropolis on the east of Mindanao, the Philippines' largest southern island. Historically, Militant militants have been known to operate in impoverished parts of central and south-western Mindanao.
