Suspected Bondi Gunmen Operated Solo and Did Not Undergo Instruction in the Philippines, Authorities Confirm.
The two alleged individuals who carried out the deadly shooting at a Hanukkah celebration on Bondi Beach, which claimed 15 lives, appear to have operated independently, according to national police.
Investigators further stated that the 50-year-old Sajid Akram, and his son Naveed Akram, 24, flew to the Philippines on 1 November. Their itinerary included arriving in the main city Manila before traveling onward that same day to Davao City. The duo returned to Sydney on 29 November.
Lack of Proof of Planning During Trip
Police indicate the pair did not partake in any form of attack-related instruction or "planning" during their time in the Philippines. Preliminary inquiries from local officials indicate they "mostly stayed in" their accommodation.
The shooting—labeled as Australia's most severe mass shooting since 1996—has been officially classified as a terrorist incident.
"We are currently reviewing the footage," the commissioner said, explaining that initial evaluations indicate that "the two men are suspected to have been lone actors."
National law enforcement Commissioner Krissy Barrett told reporters on Tuesday that security camera video showing the alleged gunmen's whereabouts in the Philippines had been provided to domestic authorities.
"Our investigation shows little to no indication to support the idea these suspects were affiliated with a wider organization, or were instructed by others to execute an incident," Commissioner Barrett emphasized.
Yet, the duo were likewise not in the Philippines as tourists, she clarified. She emphasized that, as the inquiry is still active, additional details may surface.
Motivation and Court Proceedings
Earlier, the nation's Prime Minister Anthony Albanese commented it seems both alleged attackers were "motivated by Islamic State" beliefs.
During the incident, Sajid Akram was fatally shot by responding officers. He and his son Naveed—equipped with firearms—are accused of having opened fire on attendees at the Hanukkah event.
Naveed Akram, who was hospitalised after the attack, has been formally accused of 59 charges. These comprise 15 counts of murder and one count of perpetrating a terrorist act. He is expected to appear in court in April.
Immigration Particulars
In the aftermath following the attack, immigration authorities in the Philippines reported that the father had arrived in the country using an foreign passport, while his younger suspect used an domestic passport.
The two had listed the metropolis of Davao as their intended endpoint. Their booked journey back to Australia was for Sydney.
Davao is a expansive metropolis on the east of Mindanao, the Philippines' primary island in the south. It is noted that, Militant groups have been known to be active in less developed parts of southern and western Mindanao.
