Suspected Bondi Attackers Operated Alone and Did Not Undergo Preparation in the Southeast Asian Nation, Authorities State.
The two alleged individuals who carried out the deadly attack at a Hanukkah gathering on Bondi Beach, resulting in 15 lives, appear to have been lone actors, as stated by Australian police.
Authorities further stated that Sajid Akram, 50, and his 24-year-old son Naveed Akram flew to the Philippines on 1 November. Their itinerary included arriving in the main city Manila before transiting on the day of arrival to Davao City. The pair flew back to Sydney on 29 November.
Lack of Proof of Preparation During Visit
Authorities indicate the pair did not partake in any type of attack-related instruction or "organizing" during their stay in the Philippines. Initial inquiries from local authorities point to they "rarely left" their accommodation.
The shooting—described as Australia's deadliest mass shooting since 1996—has been formally designated a terrorist incident.
"We are actively examining the evidence," she said, adding that early assessments suggest that "these individuals are suspected to have been lone actors."
Australian Federal Police Chief Krissy Barrett informed the press on Tuesday that CCTV footage tracking the alleged gunmen's movements in the Philippines had been provided to Australian authorities.
"There is no evidence to support the idea these alleged offenders were affiliated with a larger terrorist cell, or were instructed by overseas entities to perpetrate an incident," Commissioner Barrett said.
However, the duo were also not in the Philippines on a leisure trip, Commissioner Barrett noted. She emphasized that, since the probe is still active, fresh information may emerge.
Inspiration and Court Charges
In prior statements, the nation's leader Anthony Albanese commented it looks as though both alleged attackers were "inspired by Islamic State" ideology.
During the incident, Sajid Akram was shot dead by police. He and his son Naveed—reportedly carrying rifles—allegedly targeted attendees at the Hanukkah event.
Naveed Akram, who was injured and taken to hospital after the shooting, has been charged with 59 offences. These include 15 counts of murder and one count of perpetrating a terrorist act. He is scheduled to appear in court in April.
Travel Particulars
In the days following the attack, border officials in the Philippines reported that the older suspect had arrived in the country using an Indian passport, while his son used an domestic passport.
The duo had listed the metropolis of Davao as their final destination. Their scheduled journey back to Australia was for Sydney.
Davao is a expansive city on the east of Mindanao, the Philippines' largest southern island. The region is known because, Islamist groups have reportedly operate in impoverished parts of central and south-western Mindanao.
