Suspected Bondi Beach Shooters Operated Independently and Did Not Training in the Southeast Asian Nation, Authorities State.
The two suspected gunmen who carried out the lethal shooting at a Jewish gathering on Bondi Beach, that took 15 lives, reportedly operated independently, per Australian authorities.
Authorities also confirmed that Sajid Akram, 50, and his son Naveed Akram travelled to the Philippines on 1 November. Their itinerary included arriving in the capital Manila before connecting on the day of arrival to Davao City. The pair flew back to Sydney on 29 November.
No Evidence of Planning During Visit
Authorities have stated the individuals did not undergo any type of terrorist training or "planning" during their stay in the Philippines. Early findings from local authorities point to they "rarely left" their accommodation.
The attack—described as Australia's worst firearm massacre since 1996—has been officially classified as a act of terrorism.
"Our teams are currently analyzing the evidence," the commissioner stated, noting that early reviews suggest that "these individuals are alleged to have acted alone."
National law enforcement Chief Krissy Barrett told reporters on Tuesday that CCTV footage showing the alleged gunmen's movements in the Philippines had been provided to domestic investigators.
"There is little to no indication to support the idea these accused individuals were affiliated with a wider network, or were directed by others to carry out an act of violence," she emphasized.
However, the pair were also not necessarily in the Philippines on a leisure trip, the official added. She emphasized that, given that the investigation is continuing, new evidence might surface.
Inspiration and Legal Charges
In prior statements, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said it looks as though both accused gunmen were "motivated by Islamic State" extremist views.
During the attack, Sajid Akram was fatally shot by police. He and his son Naveed—both armed with long-barrelled guns—allegedly targeted guests at the Jewish festival event.
Naveed Akram, who was injured and taken to hospital after the attack, has been formally accused of 59 crimes. These comprise 15 counts of murder and one count of perpetrating a act of terrorism. He is due to face court in April.
Travel Information
In the wake following the shooting, immigration officials in the Philippines indicated that the older suspect had arrived in the country using an Indian passport, while his younger suspect used an Australian passport.
The two had stated the southern city of Davao as their intended endpoint. Their scheduled return flight to Australia was for Sydney.
Davao is a large metropolis on the east of Mindanao, the Philippines' largest island in the south. The region is known because, Militant groups have reportedly operate in less developed parts of southern and western Mindanao.
