Accused Bondi Shooters Acted Independently and Did Not Instruction in the Southeast Asian Nation, Authorities Say.
The two suspected individuals responsible for the lethal shooting at a Hanukkah gathering on Bondi Beach, resulting in 15 lives, reportedly operated independently, per national law enforcement.
Police 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 capital Manila before traveling onward that same day to Davao City. The duo flew back to Sydney on 29 November.
Lack of Proof of Training During Visit
Investigators have stated the duo did not undergo any form of terrorist instruction or "planning" during their stay in the Philippines. Initial findings from local authorities point to they "rarely left" their accommodation.
The incident—declared Australia's worst firearm massacre since 1996—has been formally classified as a act of terrorism.
"Our teams are actively examining the footage," the commissioner stated, adding that initial assessments indicate that "these individuals are believed to have acted alone."
Australian Federal Police Commissioner Krissy Barrett briefed the press on Tuesday that security camera video documenting the accused attackers' movements in the Philippines had been handed over to domestic investigators.
"Our investigation shows no evidence to indicate these suspects were part of a wider terrorist cell, or were directed by overseas entities to carry out an act of violence," she said.
However, the men were additionally not in the Philippines as tourists, Commissioner Barrett clarified. She underscored that, as the inquiry is still active, fresh information could surface.
Motivation and Legal Proceedings
In prior statements, the nation's leader Anthony Albanese said it appears both alleged gunmen were "motivated by ISIS" beliefs.
During the shooting, Sajid Akram was shot dead by responding officers. He and his son Naveed—reportedly carrying long-barrelled guns—allegedly targeted attendees at the Hanukkah celebration.
Naveed Akram, who was hospitalised after the shooting, has been charged with 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 Details
In the aftermath following the shooting, immigration authorities in the Philippines indicated that the older suspect had arrived in the country using an Indian passport, while his son used an Australian passport.
The duo had declared the metropolis of Davao as their final destination. Their booked return flight to Australia was for Sydney.
Davao is a expansive metropolis on the east of Mindanao, the Philippines' main southern island. Historically, Islamist militants have reportedly operate in less developed parts of southern and western Mindanao.
