Alleged Bondi Beach Shooters Acted Solo and Received No Preparation in the Southeast Asian Nation, Police State.
The two suspected individuals who carried out the fatal incident at a Jewish gathering on Bondi Beach, resulting in 15 lives, appear to have acted alone, per national police.
Authorities additionally revealed that Sajid Akram, 50, and his son Naveed Akram flew to the Philippines on 1 November. Their travel plans involved landing in the capital Manila before traveling onward on the day of arrival to Davao City. The father and son returned to Sydney on 29 November.
Lack of Proof of Training During Trip
Investigators assert the pair did not partake in any form of attack-related training or "logistical preparation" during their visit in the Philippines. Preliminary findings from Philippine officials suggest they "rarely left" their accommodation.
The incident—described as Australia's deadliest mass shooting since 1996—has been officially designated a act of terrorism.
"Our teams are actively reviewing the material," she said, explaining that preliminary evaluations show that "these individuals are alleged to have operated independently."
Australian Federal Police Chief Krissy Barrett told reporters on Tuesday that security camera video documenting the alleged gunmen's activities in the Philippines had been handed over to Australian authorities.
"Our investigation shows little to no indication to indicate these accused individuals were affiliated with a larger network, or were instructed by external parties to execute an incident," the police chief said.
But, the men were also not in the Philippines on a leisure trip, the official noted. She stressed that, since the inquiry is ongoing, fresh information could come to light.
Inspiration and Legal Proceedings
Previously, the nation's Prime Minister Anthony Albanese commented it appears both accused attackers were "influenced by ISIS" ideology.
During the incident, Sajid Akram was fatally shot by responding officers. He and his son Naveed—equipped with long-barrelled guns—are accused of having targeted guests at the Hanukkah celebration.
Naveed Akram, who was wounded after the attack, has been formally accused of 59 crimes. These comprise 15 counts of murder and one count of committing a terrorist act. He is expected to face court in April.
Immigration Details
In the wake following the shooting, border officials in the Philippines reported that the father had entered the country using an foreign passport, while his younger suspect used an Australian passport.
The duo had listed the metropolis of Davao as their intended endpoint. Their scheduled return flight to Australia was for Sydney.
Davao is a expansive urban center on the eastern side of Mindanao, the Philippines' main island in the south. It is noted that, Islamist groups have reportedly be active in poorer parts of southern and western Mindanao.
