Suspected Bondi Shooters Acted Independently and Received No Training in the Philippines, Authorities Say.
The pair of accused attackers responsible for the deadly shooting at a Hanukkah event on Bondi Beach, which claimed 15 lives, reportedly been lone actors, as stated by national police.
Investigators additionally revealed that the 50-year-old Sajid Akram, and his son Naveed Akram flew to the Philippines on 1 November. Their itinerary included arriving 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.
Lack of Proof of Preparation During Stay
Authorities assert the pair did not receive any type of terrorist training or "organizing" during their visit in the Philippines. Initial investigations from local officials indicate they "mostly stayed in" their hotel.
The shooting—declared Australia's most severe mass shooting since 1996—has been formally declared a terrorist incident.
"Our teams are actively analyzing the footage," the commissioner stated, adding that preliminary assessments indicate that "the two men are alleged to have been lone actors."
National law enforcement Chief Krissy Barrett informed media on Tuesday that security camera video tracking the alleged gunmen's activities in the Philippines had been provided to Australian authorities.
"Our investigation shows no evidence to support the idea these accused individuals were members of a larger organization, or were acting on orders from external parties to perpetrate an incident," she emphasized.
But, the men were also not necessarily in the Philippines on a leisure trip, Commissioner Barrett clarified. She stressed that, as the investigation is continuing, fresh information may come to light.
Inspiration and Court Proceedings
Previously, the nation's leader Anthony Albanese remarked it seems both accused attackers were "influenced by ISIS" extremist views.
During the incident, Sajid Akram was shot dead by police. He and his son Naveed—equipped with firearms—allegedly opened fire on attendees at the Hanukkah celebration.
Naveed Akram, who was wounded after the attack, has been formally accused of 59 crimes. These comprise 15 charges of murder and one count of committing a act of terrorism. He is expected to face court in April.
Travel Information
In the days following the shooting, border officials in the Philippines indicated that the father had arrived in the country using an foreign passport, while his younger suspect used an domestic passport.
The duo had listed the metropolis of Davao as their final destination. Their booked return flight to Australia was for Sydney.
Davao is a sprawling city on the east of Mindanao, the Philippines' largest island in the south. Historically, Islamist militants have been known to be active in impoverished parts of central and south-western Mindanao.
