Accused Bondi Beach Gunmen Acted Alone and Received No Instruction in the Southeast Asian Nation, Authorities State.
The pair of accused individuals who carried out the lethal attack at a Hanukkah gathering on Bondi Beach, which claimed 15 lives, are believed to have been lone actors, according to national law enforcement.
Investigators further stated that Sajid Akram, 50, and his 24-year-old son Naveed Akram travelled to the Philippines on 1 November. Their travel plans included arriving in the capital Manila before traveling onward that same day to Davao City. The pair returned to Sydney on 29 November.
No Evidence of Planning During Visit
Investigators indicate the pair did not undergo any type of terrorist instruction or "planning" during their time in the Philippines. Preliminary findings from Philippine officials point to they "mostly stayed in" their accommodation.
The shooting—labeled as Australia's deadliest mass shooting since 1996—has been formally designated a act of terrorism.
"We are actively examining the evidence," the commissioner stated, explaining that early reviews indicate that "the alleged offenders are believed to have acted alone."
National law enforcement Chief Krissy Barrett told media on Tuesday that CCTV footage showing the accused attackers' movements in the Philippines had been handed over to Australian investigators.
"There is little to no indication to support the idea these accused individuals were members of a broader organization, or were directed by others to execute an attack," Commissioner Barrett said.
But, the pair were additionally not in the Philippines on a leisure trip, the official added. She stressed that, as the probe is ongoing, new evidence could emerge.
Inspiration and Legal Charges
In prior statements, Australian leader Anthony Albanese said it looks as though both alleged attackers were "influenced by ISIS" beliefs.
During the incident, Sajid Akram was shot dead by responding officers. He and his son Naveed—both armed with rifles—allegedly targeted attendees at the Jewish festival celebration.
Naveed Akram, who was wounded after the attack, has been formally accused of 59 crimes. These include 15 charges of murder and one count of committing a act of terrorism. He is expected to appear in court in April.
Immigration Particulars
In the days following the attack, border officials in the Philippines indicated that the older suspect had arrived in the country using an foreign passport, while his son used an domestic passport.
The duo had stated the southern city of Davao as their intended endpoint. Their pre-arranged return flight to Australia was for Sydney.
Davao is a sprawling urban center on the eastern side of Mindanao, the Philippines' main southern island. Historically, Islamist militants have reportedly be active in less developed parts of southern and western Mindanao.
