Suspected Bondi Shooters Operated Alone and Did Not Undergo Training in the Philippines, Police State.
The two suspected gunmen who carried out the fatal incident at a Hanukkah gathering on Bondi Beach, which claimed 15 lives, appear to have acted alone, as stated by Australian police.
Authorities additionally revealed that the 50-year-old Sajid Akram, and his son Naveed Akram journeyed to the Philippines on 1 November. Their itinerary involved arriving in the main city Manila before transiting that same day to Davao City. The duo flew back to Sydney on 29 November.
No Evidence of Preparation During Visit
Authorities have stated the duo did not receive any type of attack-related training or "organizing" during their visit in the Philippines. Early findings from Philippine officials indicate they "rarely left" their hotel.
The incident—declared Australia's deadliest mass shooting since 1996—has been officially classified as a terrorist incident.
"Our teams are currently analyzing the material," the commissioner said, noting that preliminary evaluations show that "the alleged offenders are believed to have operated independently."
Australian Federal Police Commissioner Krissy Barrett informed media on Tuesday that CCTV footage documenting the accused attackers' activities in the Philippines had been submitted to Australian investigators.
"There is little to no indication to suggest these suspects were members of a broader terrorist cell, or were directed by overseas entities to execute an incident," she emphasized.
But, the pair were additionally not in the Philippines as tourists, Commissioner Barrett added. She stressed that, given that the probe is continuing, fresh information may emerge.
Inspiration and Legal Charges
In prior statements, the nation's Prime Minister Anthony Albanese remarked it appears both alleged gunmen were "influenced by Islamic State" ideology.
During the shooting, Sajid Akram was killed by police. He and his son Naveed—equipped with firearms—are accused of having targeted guests at the Hanukkah event.
Naveed Akram, who was injured and taken to hospital after the shooting, has been charged with 59 crimes. These include 15 counts of murder and one count of committing a terrorist act. He is due to appear in court in April.
Travel Details
In the wake following the attack, immigration officials in the Philippines indicated that the older suspect had entered the country using an Indian passport, while his younger suspect used an domestic passport.
The two had declared the metropolis of Davao as their final destination. Their pre-arranged return flight to Australia was for Sydney.
Davao is a sprawling metropolis on the east of Mindanao, the Philippines' main southern island. The region is known because, Militant fighters have been known to operate in less developed parts of central and south-western Mindanao.