Alleged Bondi Gunmen Operated Solo and Did Not Training in the Philippines, Authorities Say.
The pair of accused individuals who carried out the lethal shooting at a Jewish celebration on Bondi Beach, that took 15 lives, appear to have been lone actors, according to national law enforcement.
Police additionally revealed that Sajid Akram, 50, and his 24-year-old son Naveed Akram, 24, travelled to the Philippines on 1 November. Their itinerary involved arriving in the capital Manila before traveling onward on the day of arrival to Davao City. The pair flew back to Sydney on 29 November.
Lack of Proof of Training During Trip
Authorities have stated the pair did not receive any type of terrorist coaching or "planning" during their visit in the Philippines. Early findings from local officials indicate they "rarely left" their accommodation.
The attack—declared Australia's most severe mass shooting since 1996—has been officially declared a terrorist incident.
"Our teams are actively reviewing the material," she stated, explaining that initial reviews show that "these individuals are believed to have been lone actors."
National law enforcement Commissioner Krissy Barrett briefed media on Tuesday that security camera video showing the alleged gunmen's whereabouts in the Philippines had been handed over to Australian investigators.
"Our investigation shows little to no indication to suggest these accused individuals were members of a larger network, or were acting on orders from overseas entities to carry out an act of violence," she stated.
But, the duo were likewise not necessarily in the Philippines for tourism, Commissioner Barrett added. She emphasized that, as the inquiry is continuing, fresh information could come to light.
Motivation and Legal Proceedings
In prior statements, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said it appears both accused gunmen were "influenced by ISIS" beliefs.
During the incident, Sajid Akram was killed by police. He and his son Naveed—both armed with rifles—are accused of having opened fire on attendees at the Hanukkah celebration.
Naveed Akram, who was wounded after the shooting, has been charged with 59 charges. These comprise 15 charges of murder and one count of committing a terrorist act. He is expected to appear in court in April.
Immigration Details
In the wake following the shooting, border authorities in the Philippines stated that the father had entered the country using an Indian passport, while his younger suspect used an Australian passport.
The duo had listed the southern city of Davao as their intended endpoint. Their scheduled return flight to Australia was for Sydney.
Davao is a sprawling city on the east of Mindanao, the Philippines' main southern island. Historically, Militant groups have reportedly operate in less developed parts of southern and western Mindanao.
