Accused Bondi Beach Gunmen Operated Independently and Did Not Undergo Training in the Philippines, Authorities Confirm.
The pair of accused gunmen responsible for the lethal shooting at a Hanukkah gathering on Bondi Beach, resulting in 15 lives, are believed to have been lone actors, according to national authorities.
Authorities further stated that Sajid Akram, 50, and his 24-year-old son Naveed Akram, 24, travelled to the Philippines on 1 November. Their travel plans involved landing in the main city Manila before traveling onward that same day to Davao City. The father and son returned to Sydney on 29 November.
No Evidence of Preparation During Stay
Authorities indicate the pair did not partake in any form of terrorist instruction or "planning" during their stay in the Philippines. Initial findings from local officials indicate they "mostly stayed in" their accommodation.
The attackâdeclared Australia's deadliest firearm massacre since 1996âhas been formally declared a act of terrorism.
"Our teams are actively analyzing the material," she said, adding that initial assessments show that "the two men are alleged to have operated independently."
National law enforcement Chief Krissy Barrett briefed media on Tuesday that security camera video showing the alleged gunmen's activities in the Philippines had been handed over to Australian authorities.
"There is no evidence to suggest these suspects were part of a broader network, or were acting on orders from external parties to perpetrate an act of violence," she emphasized.
Yet, the men were likewise not necessarily in the Philippines for tourism, she added. She stressed that, given that the investigation is ongoing, fresh information could surface.
Ideology and Legal Proceedings
Earlier, Australian leader Anthony Albanese commented it seems both alleged gunmen were "influenced by Islamic State" beliefs.
During the attack, Sajid Akram was shot dead by police. He and his son Naveedâreportedly carrying long-barrelled gunsâallegedly targeted attendees at the Hanukkah celebration.
Naveed Akram, who was hospitalised after the shooting, has been formally accused of 59 charges. These include 15 charges of murder and one count of carrying out a act of terrorism. He is expected to face court in April.
Travel Information
In the days following the attack, immigration authorities in the Philippines stated that the father had arrived in the country using an Indian passport, while his younger suspect used an domestic passport.
The pair had stated the southern city of Davao as their final destination. Their pre-arranged journey back to Australia was for Sydney.
Davao is a large city on the east of Mindanao, the Philippines' largest southern island. It is noted that, Islamist fighters have reportedly be active in impoverished parts of central and south-western Mindanao.
