Alleged Bondi Shooters Operated Independently and Did Not Preparation in the Philippines, Police Confirm.
The two alleged gunmen who carried out the deadly incident at a Jewish celebration on Bondi Beach, which claimed 15 lives, are believed to have acted alone, per Australian law enforcement.
Police also confirmed that Sajid Akram, 50, and his son Naveed Akram, 24, journeyed to the Philippines on 1 November. Their travel plans involved arriving in the main city Manila before connecting that same day to Davao City. The duo flew back to Sydney on 29 November.
No Evidence of Training During Trip
Police have stated the individuals did not partake in any form of attack-related coaching or "logistical preparation" during their stay in the Philippines. Initial investigations from Philippine officials suggest they "hardly ventured out of" their hotel.
The shooting—declared Australia's worst firearm massacre since 1996—has been formally designated a terrorist incident.
"Our teams are actively analyzing the material," the commissioner said, noting that initial assessments indicate that "the two men are believed to have acted alone."
National law enforcement Commissioner Krissy Barrett briefed reporters on Tuesday that security camera video tracking the accused attackers' movements in the Philippines had been provided to Australian authorities.
"Our investigation shows little to no indication to support the idea these accused individuals were affiliated with a larger organization, or were directed by overseas entities to execute an act of violence," Commissioner Barrett said.
But, the duo were also not necessarily in the Philippines for tourism, she added. She emphasized that, given that the probe is still active, fresh information may emerge.
Ideology and Court Proceedings
Earlier, Australian leader Anthony Albanese said it looks as though both alleged gunmen were "motivated by Islamic State" beliefs.
During the shooting, Sajid Akram was killed by responding officers. He and his son Naveed—equipped with long-barrelled guns—allegedly shot attendees at the Jewish festival event.
Naveed Akram, who was injured and taken to hospital after the shooting, has been formally accused of 59 crimes. These comprise 15 charges of murder and one count of perpetrating a act of terrorism. He is expected to face court in April.
Travel Details
In the wake following the attack, immigration officials in the Philippines indicated that the father had entered the country using an foreign passport, while his younger suspect used an domestic passport.
The duo had declared the metropolis of Davao as their intended endpoint. Their booked return flight to Australia was for Sydney.
Davao is a expansive city on the east of Mindanao, the Philippines' main southern island. It is noted that, Islamist militants have reportedly operate in poorer parts of central and south-western Mindanao.
