Alleged Bondi Beach Gunmen Acted Independently and Did Not Undergo Training in the Philippines, Authorities State.
The two alleged attackers responsible for the lethal incident at a Jewish gathering on Bondi Beach, that took 15 lives, appear to have operated independently, as stated by Australian authorities.
Police also confirmed that Sajid Akram, 50, and his 24-year-old son Naveed Akram flew 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 duo flew back to Sydney on 29 November.
No Evidence of Preparation During Visit
Authorities assert the duo did not receive any type of terrorist training or "planning" during their time in the Philippines. Early inquiries from Philippine authorities indicate they "mostly stayed in" their accommodation.
The incident—declared Australia's deadliest firearm massacre since 1996—has been officially designated a act of terrorism.
"Our teams are currently analyzing the footage," she stated, explaining that preliminary evaluations show that "the alleged offenders are alleged to have acted alone."
National law enforcement Commissioner Krissy Barrett briefed media on Tuesday that CCTV footage documenting the accused attackers' whereabouts in the Philippines had been handed over to Australian investigators.
"There is little to no indication to suggest these accused individuals were affiliated with a larger terrorist cell, or were directed by others to carry out an act of violence," the police chief said.
But, the men were likewise not necessarily in the Philippines as tourists, she added. She underscored that, given that the investigation is continuing, new evidence might surface.
Inspiration and Court Proceedings
In prior statements, the nation's leader Anthony Albanese commented it seems both alleged gunmen were "motivated by the so-called Islamic State" beliefs.
During the shooting, Sajid Akram was killed by responding officers. He and his son Naveed—reportedly carrying long-barrelled guns—allegedly opened fire on participants at the Hanukkah celebration.
Naveed Akram, who was hospitalised after the shooting, has been charged with 59 crimes. These comprise 15 charges of murder and one count of committing a act of terrorism. He is scheduled to face court in April.
Travel Particulars
In the aftermath following the shooting, immigration officials in the Philippines stated that the father had arrived in the country using an foreign passport, while his son used an domestic passport.
The two had listed the metropolis of Davao as their intended endpoint. Their scheduled journey back to Australia was for Sydney.
Davao is a expansive urban center on the eastern side of Mindanao, the Philippines' largest island in the south. It is noted that, Militant fighters have been known to be active in poorer parts of central and south-western Mindanao.
