Alleged Bondi Beach Gunmen Acted Alone and Received No Training in the Philippines, Investigators Confirm.
The two suspected individuals responsible for the deadly incident at a Jewish event on Bondi Beach, that took 15 lives, reportedly operated independently, according to Australian police.
Investigators also confirmed that the 50-year-old Sajid Akram, and his son Naveed Akram travelled to the Philippines on 1 November. Their travel plans involved arriving in the main city Manila before traveling onward on the day of arrival to Davao City. The father and son flew back to Sydney on 29 November.
Lack of Proof of Preparation During Stay
Police indicate the duo did not undergo any type of attack-related training or "logistical preparation" during their time in the Philippines. Preliminary investigations from local authorities suggest they "hardly ventured out of" their accommodation.
The shooting—described as Australia's deadliest firearm massacre since 1996—has been officially designated a terrorist incident.
"We are currently analyzing the evidence," she stated, adding that preliminary assessments indicate that "the two men are alleged to have acted alone."
National law enforcement Commissioner Krissy Barrett told media on Tuesday that security camera video tracking the alleged gunmen's activities in the Philippines had been provided to domestic authorities.
"There is little to no indication to indicate these alleged offenders were part of a wider organization, or were instructed by others to perpetrate an incident," she emphasized.
However, the men were also not necessarily in the Philippines as tourists, she added. She underscored that, since the probe is continuing, fresh information may emerge.
Motivation and Court Charges
In prior statements, Australian leader Anthony Albanese commented it looks as though both alleged attackers were "motivated by Islamic State" beliefs.
During the incident, Sajid Akram was shot dead by police. He and his son Naveed—equipped with rifles—allegedly opened fire on participants at the Jewish festival celebration.
Naveed Akram, who was wounded after the shooting, has been formally accused of 59 offences. These encompass 15 counts of murder and one count of committing a act of terrorism. He is scheduled to appear in court in April.
Immigration Information
In the days following the shooting, immigration authorities in the Philippines stated that the father had entered the country using an Indian passport, while his son used an Australian passport.
The pair had listed the metropolis of Davao as their final destination. Their pre-arranged journey back to Australia was for Sydney.
Davao is a sprawling city on the eastern side of Mindanao, the Philippines' primary island in the south. The region is known because, Islamist fighters have reportedly be active in impoverished parts of southern and western Mindanao.
