Alleged Bondi Gunmen Operated Independently and Did Not Preparation in the Southeast Asian Nation, Investigators Say.
The two suspected attackers who carried out the fatal incident at a Jewish celebration on Bondi Beach, which claimed 15 lives, reportedly acted alone, according to Australian authorities.
Police also confirmed that Sajid Akram, 50, and his son Naveed Akram, 24, flew to the Philippines on 1 November. Their itinerary involved arriving in the main city Manila before connecting that same day to Davao City. The pair flew back to Sydney on 29 November.
No Evidence of Planning During Visit
Investigators indicate the pair did not undergo any form of terrorist instruction or "organizing" during their stay in the Philippines. Early investigations from local officials point to they "mostly stayed in" their accommodation.
The incident—described as Australia's worst mass shooting since 1996—has been formally designated a act of terrorism.
"We are currently analyzing the footage," she said, noting that preliminary evaluations show that "the alleged offenders are alleged to have operated independently."
Australian Federal Police Chief Krissy Barrett told media on Tuesday that security camera video documenting the alleged gunmen's activities in the Philippines had been handed over to Australian authorities.
"There is no evidence to indicate these suspects were members of a broader terrorist cell, or were directed by external parties to carry out an attack," the police chief said.
Yet, the duo were also not in the Philippines on a leisure trip, the official added. She underscored that, as the probe is continuing, new evidence could surface.
Ideology and Legal Proceedings
In prior statements, the nation's Prime Minister Anthony Albanese commented it seems both accused attackers were "inspired by ISIS" ideology.
During the attack, Sajid Akram was killed by responding officers. He and his son Naveed—equipped with firearms—allegedly opened fire on participants at the Hanukkah celebration.
Naveed Akram, who was injured and taken to hospital after the shooting, has been formally accused of 59 offences. These encompass 15 charges of murder and one count of committing a act of terrorism. He is scheduled to face court in April.
Travel Details
In the aftermath following the attack, border officials in the Philippines stated that the older suspect had entered the country using an foreign passport, while his son used an domestic passport.
The duo had declared the metropolis of Davao as their final destination. Their booked journey back to Australia was for Sydney.
Davao is a expansive metropolis on the eastern side of Mindanao, the Philippines' main southern island. Historically, Islamist groups have reportedly be active in impoverished parts of southern and western Mindanao.