Suspected Bondi Beach Shooters Acted Independently and Received No Training in the Southeast Asian Nation, Investigators Say.
The two suspected attackers who carried out the lethal incident at a Jewish event on Bondi Beach, that took 15 lives, reportedly been lone actors, as stated by Australian law enforcement.
Investigators further stated that Sajid Akram, 50, and his son Naveed Akram travelled to the Philippines on 1 November. Their itinerary included landing in the capital Manila before transiting that same day to Davao City. The pair returned to Sydney on 29 November.
Lack of Proof of Training During Stay
Investigators have stated the individuals did not undergo any type of attack-related coaching or "planning" during their visit in the Philippines. Early findings from Philippine officials suggest they "mostly stayed in" their hotel.
The attack—described as Australia's deadliest firearm massacre since 1996—has been officially classified as a terrorist incident.
"Our teams are currently analyzing the footage," the commissioner said, explaining that initial reviews show that "these individuals are alleged to have operated independently."
National law enforcement Chief Krissy Barrett told the press on Tuesday that security camera video documenting the alleged gunmen's whereabouts in the Philippines had been provided to Australian authorities.
"There is little to no indication to suggest these accused individuals were affiliated with a larger network, or were instructed by external parties to perpetrate an incident," she stated.
However, the men were likewise not necessarily in the Philippines on a leisure trip, she clarified. She stressed that, as the probe is continuing, additional details might come to light.
Ideology and Legal Proceedings
In prior statements, the nation's leader Anthony Albanese said it seems both accused gunmen were "inspired by ISIS" ideology.
During the shooting, Sajid Akram was fatally shot by responding officers. He and his son Naveed—equipped with firearms—allegedly shot participants at the Hanukkah celebration.
Naveed Akram, who was injured and taken to hospital after the shooting, has been formally accused of 59 offences. These include 15 counts of murder and one count of perpetrating a act of terrorism. He is scheduled to face court in April.
Immigration Particulars
In the wake following the attack, immigration authorities in the Philippines indicated that the older suspect had entered the country using an Indian passport, while his son used an Australian passport.
The duo had listed the southern city of Davao as their intended endpoint. Their scheduled journey back to Australia was for Sydney.
Davao is a large city on the east of Mindanao, the Philippines' main southern island. The region is known because, Militant fighters have been known to operate in impoverished parts of central and south-western Mindanao.
