Alleged Bondi Beach Shooters Operated Independently and Did Not Training in the Southeast Asian Nation, Investigators Confirm.
The two alleged gunmen who carried out the lethal attack at a Jewish gathering on Bondi Beach, that took 15 lives, are believed to have acted alone, as stated by Australian authorities.
Authorities further stated that Sajid Akram, 50, and his son Naveed Akram, 24, flew to the Philippines on 1 November. Their travel plans involved landing in the main city Manila before traveling onward 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 duo did not undergo any type of terrorist training or "organizing" during their time in the Philippines. Preliminary findings from local officials point to they "mostly stayed in" their hotel.
The attackâdescribed as Australia's worst firearm massacre since 1996âhas been officially declared a act of terrorism.
"We are currently analyzing the footage," the commissioner stated, noting that preliminary assessments show that "these individuals are suspected to have acted alone."
Australian Federal Police Commissioner Krissy Barrett informed the press on Tuesday that CCTV footage tracking the alleged gunmen's whereabouts in the Philippines had been handed over to domestic authorities.
"There is little to no indication to suggest these alleged offenders were part of a broader terrorist cell, or were directed by external parties to execute an act of violence," she stated.
But, the duo were additionally not necessarily in the Philippines on a leisure trip, the official clarified. She underscored that, as the investigation is still active, new evidence might come to light.
Ideology and Court Charges
In prior statements, Australian leader Anthony Albanese commented it looks as though both alleged gunmen were "inspired by Islamic State" extremist views.
During the attack, Sajid Akram was shot dead by police. He and his son Naveedâreportedly carrying firearmsâare accused of having opened fire on attendees at the Hanukkah celebration.
Naveed Akram, who was injured and taken to hospital after the shooting, has been formally accused of 59 charges. These encompass 15 charges of murder and one count of perpetrating a act of terrorism. He is expected to appear in court in April.
Immigration Information
In the wake following the shooting, border officials in the Philippines indicated that the older suspect had entered the country using an Indian passport, while his son used an Australian passport.
The two had declared the southern city of Davao as their final destination. Their pre-arranged journey back to Australia was for Sydney.
Davao is a large city on the east of Mindanao, the Philippines' main island in the south. It is noted that, Islamist militants have reportedly operate in poorer parts of central and south-western Mindanao.
