Suspected Bondi Shooters Acted Independently and Did Not Training in the Southeast Asian Nation, Police Say.
The two suspected gunmen responsible for the deadly incident at a Jewish gathering on Bondi Beach, resulting in 15 lives, are believed to have been lone actors, according to Australian authorities.
Authorities also confirmed that the 50-year-old Sajid Akram, and his son Naveed Akram flew to the Philippines on 1 November. Their itinerary involved arriving in the capital Manila before transiting that same day to Davao City. The duo returned to Sydney on 29 November.
No Evidence of Training During Stay
Investigators assert the pair did not partake in any form of terrorist coaching or "logistical preparation" during their visit in the Philippines. Early inquiries from local officials point to they "hardly ventured out of" their hotel.
The shooting—described as Australia's worst firearm massacre since 1996—has been formally classified as a terrorist incident.
"Our teams are actively reviewing the material," the commissioner stated, noting that early reviews show that "the two men are suspected to have operated independently."
Australian Federal Police Chief Krissy Barrett told media on Tuesday that CCTV footage documenting the accused attackers' movements in the Philippines had been submitted to domestic authorities.
"Our investigation shows no evidence to suggest these suspects were members of a broader organization, or were directed by external parties to execute an act of violence," the police chief emphasized.
Yet, the pair were also not necessarily in the Philippines as tourists, the official added. She emphasized that, since the probe is continuing, new evidence could come to light.
Inspiration and Court Proceedings
Previously, Australian leader Anthony Albanese remarked it looks as though both accused gunmen were "influenced by ISIS" extremist views.
During the attack, Sajid Akram was fatally shot by police. He and his son Naveed—reportedly carrying firearms—are accused of having targeted attendees at the Hanukkah event.
Naveed Akram, who was wounded after the shooting, has been formally accused of 59 charges. These comprise 15 charges of murder and one count of perpetrating a terrorist act. He is expected to face court in April.
Travel Particulars
In the aftermath following the attack, border 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 duo had listed the southern city of Davao as their intended endpoint. Their scheduled journey back to Australia was for Sydney.
Davao is a sprawling metropolis on the eastern side of Mindanao, the Philippines' main southern island. It is noted that, Islamist militants have reportedly be active in impoverished parts of southern and western Mindanao.