Alleged Bondi Beach Attackers Acted Independently and Did Not Undergo Instruction in the Southeast Asian Nation, Police State.
The two suspected gunmen responsible for the deadly attack at a Hanukkah celebration on Bondi Beach, which claimed 15 lives, reportedly been lone actors, per Australian authorities.
Authorities additionally revealed that Sajid Akram, 50, and his 24-year-old son Naveed Akram flew to the Philippines on 1 November. Their itinerary included landing in the capital Manila before transiting that same day to Davao City. The pair flew back to Sydney on 29 November.
Lack of Proof of Training During Visit
Authorities assert the individuals did not undergo any form of attack-related instruction or "planning" during their stay in the Philippines. Preliminary investigations from Philippine officials point to they "hardly ventured out of" their hotel.
The incident—described as Australia's most severe mass shooting since 1996—has been formally classified as a terrorist incident.
"Our teams are actively examining the footage," she stated, adding that initial assessments suggest that "the two men are suspected to have acted alone."
National law enforcement Chief Krissy Barrett informed media on Tuesday that surveillance material showing the accused attackers' whereabouts in the Philippines had been provided to Australian authorities.
"There is no evidence to suggest these alleged offenders were part of a wider terrorist cell, or were instructed by external parties to execute an act of violence," she said.
But, the men were additionally not necessarily in the Philippines on a leisure trip, the official added. She stressed that, given that the investigation is continuing, additional details could emerge.
Inspiration and Legal Charges
Previously, Australian leader Anthony Albanese said it appears both accused attackers were "inspired by Islamic State" ideology.
During the attack, Sajid Akram was shot dead by responding officers. He and his son Naveed—reportedly carrying long-barrelled guns—allegedly opened fire on guests at the Hanukkah celebration.
Naveed Akram, who was wounded after the shooting, has been formally accused of 59 charges. These include 15 counts of murder and one count of committing a terrorist act. He is due to appear in court in April.
Travel Particulars
In the wake following the shooting, border officials in the Philippines stated that the father had entered the country using an Indian passport, while his younger suspect used an domestic passport.
The two had stated the southern city of Davao as their final destination. Their scheduled return flight to Australia was for Sydney.
Davao is a sprawling metropolis on the east of Mindanao, the Philippines' main island in the south. Historically, Islamist groups have reportedly operate in poorer parts of southern and western Mindanao.
