Accused Bondi Attackers Operated Alone and Did Not Undergo Training in the Southeast Asian Nation, Police Say.
The pair of accused attackers responsible for the deadly attack at a Jewish event on Bondi Beach, resulting in 15 lives, are believed to have operated independently, per Australian police.
Police also confirmed that Sajid Akram, 50, and his son Naveed Akram, 24, journeyed to the Philippines on 1 November. Their itinerary included landing in the main city Manila before traveling onward on the day of arrival to Davao City. The duo flew back to Sydney on 29 November.
No Evidence of Training During Stay
Authorities indicate the individuals did not receive any type of terrorist coaching or "logistical preparation" during their stay in the Philippines. Early inquiries from Philippine officials suggest they "hardly ventured out of" their accommodation.
The shooting—described as Australia's worst mass shooting since 1996—has been officially declared a terrorist incident.
"Our teams are actively examining the evidence," she said, explaining that early assessments suggest that "the two men are suspected to have been lone actors."
Australian Federal Police Chief Krissy Barrett informed reporters on Tuesday that surveillance material tracking the alleged gunmen's movements in the Philippines had been provided to domestic authorities.
"Our investigation shows no evidence to suggest these accused individuals were affiliated with a larger terrorist cell, or were instructed by overseas entities to perpetrate an act of violence," she stated.
But, the men were additionally not necessarily in the Philippines for tourism, Commissioner Barrett added. She underscored that, given that the probe is ongoing, additional details could come to light.
Ideology and Legal Proceedings
Previously, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese remarked it appears both alleged attackers were "influenced by ISIS" beliefs.
During the attack, Sajid Akram was killed by responding officers. He and his son Naveed—equipped with rifles—allegedly shot attendees at the Jewish festival celebration.
Naveed Akram, who was injured and taken to hospital 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 expected to face court in April.
Travel Information
In the days following the shooting, immigration authorities in the Philippines indicated that the father had entered the country using an foreign passport, while his son used an domestic passport.
The pair had stated the metropolis of Davao as their final destination. Their booked return flight to Australia was for Sydney.
Davao is a large urban center on the east of Mindanao, the Philippines' largest island in the south. Historically, Islamist groups have been known to be active in poorer parts of southern and western Mindanao.
