Alleged Bondi Gunmen Operated Solo and Received No Preparation in the Southeast Asian Nation, Authorities Say.
The two alleged attackers responsible for the deadly shooting at a Jewish celebration on Bondi Beach, resulting in 15 lives, appear to have acted alone, per Australian law enforcement.
Authorities additionally revealed that Sajid Akram, 50, and his 24-year-old son Naveed Akram journeyed to the Philippines on 1 November. Their itinerary involved arriving in the capital Manila before connecting on the day of arrival to Davao City. The duo returned to Sydney on 29 November.
Lack of Proof of Planning During Stay
Authorities assert the duo did not receive any form of attack-related training or "logistical preparation" during their visit in the Philippines. Initial inquiries from Philippine officials point to they "mostly stayed in" their accommodation.
The shootingâlabeled as Australia's most severe firearm massacre since 1996âhas been officially designated a terrorist incident.
"Our teams are currently reviewing the evidence," the commissioner said, noting that preliminary evaluations indicate that "these individuals are believed to have acted alone."
National law enforcement Commissioner Krissy Barrett informed media on Tuesday that security camera video showing the alleged gunmen's activities in the Philippines had been handed over to Australian investigators.
"There is little to no indication to indicate these accused individuals were affiliated with a broader network, or were instructed by overseas entities to perpetrate an act of violence," Commissioner Barrett emphasized.
Yet, the men were also not necessarily in the Philippines for tourism, the official added. She stressed that, since the investigation is continuing, new evidence could surface.
Ideology and Legal Proceedings
Earlier, Australian leader Anthony Albanese remarked it looks as though both alleged attackers were "inspired by ISIS" beliefs.
During the attack, Sajid Akram was fatally shot by police. He and his son Naveedâboth armed with firearmsâallegedly opened fire on guests at the Hanukkah celebration.
Naveed Akram, who was injured and taken to hospital after the shooting, has been formally accused of 59 crimes. These comprise 15 charges of murder and one count of perpetrating a act of terrorism. He is scheduled to appear in court in April.
Immigration Information
In the wake following the shooting, border officials in the Philippines reported that the older suspect had entered the country using an foreign passport, while his son used an domestic passport.
The duo had declared the southern city of Davao as their final destination. Their booked journey back to Australia was for Sydney.
Davao is a large city on the east of Mindanao, the Philippines' main island in the south. The region is known because, Militant groups have reportedly be active in poorer parts of southern and western Mindanao.
