Alleged Bondi Gunmen Operated Independently and Did Not Undergo Training in the Philippines, Police Confirm.
The pair of accused individuals who carried out the fatal attack at a Jewish event on Bondi Beach, that took 15 lives, appear to have operated independently, according to national police.
Investigators additionally revealed that the 50-year-old Sajid Akram, and his 24-year-old son Naveed Akram travelled to the Philippines on 1 November. Their itinerary included landing in the main city Manila before traveling onward on the day of arrival to Davao City. The pair returned to Sydney on 29 November.
No Evidence of Planning During Trip
Investigators assert the duo did not receive any type of attack-related training or "planning" during their visit in the Philippines. Initial findings from Philippine officials indicate they "mostly stayed in" their hotel.
The shooting—declared Australia's most severe mass shooting since 1996—has been officially declared a terrorist incident.
"Our teams are actively examining the evidence," the commissioner said, noting that early reviews indicate that "these individuals are alleged to have acted alone."
Australian Federal Police Commissioner Krissy Barrett told the press on Tuesday that security camera video showing the accused attackers' movements in the Philippines had been handed over to domestic investigators.
"Our investigation shows little to no indication to support the idea these suspects were part of a broader terrorist cell, or were instructed by overseas entities to execute an attack," Commissioner Barrett stated.
Yet, the pair were also not necessarily in the Philippines as tourists, Commissioner Barrett clarified. She stressed that, as the probe is ongoing, fresh information may surface.
Motivation and Court Proceedings
Previously, the nation's Prime Minister Anthony Albanese commented it appears both alleged attackers were "inspired by ISIS" ideology.
During the shooting, Sajid Akram was shot dead by responding officers. He and his son Naveed—reportedly carrying long-barrelled guns—are accused of having targeted participants at the Jewish festival celebration.
Naveed Akram, who was injured and taken to hospital after the shooting, has been formally accused of 59 charges. These include 15 charges of murder and one count of carrying out a terrorist act. He is due to face court in April.
Travel Particulars
In the days following the attack, border officials in the Philippines stated that the older suspect had entered the country using an foreign passport, while his younger suspect used an Australian passport.
The two had stated the metropolis of Davao as their final destination. Their scheduled journey back to Australia was for Sydney.
Davao is a expansive urban center on the east of Mindanao, the Philippines' primary island in the south. The region is known because, Militant militants have reportedly operate in less developed parts of southern and western Mindanao.
