Suspected Bondi Gunmen Acted Alone and Received No Instruction in the Southeast Asian Nation, Police Confirm.
The pair of accused gunmen responsible for the lethal incident at a Hanukkah celebration on Bondi Beach, that took 15 lives, are believed to have acted alone, as stated by Australian authorities.
Investigators further stated that Sajid Akram, 50, and his 24-year-old son Naveed Akram flew to the Philippines on 1 November. Their travel plans involved landing in the main city Manila before connecting on the day of arrival to Davao City. The pair flew back to Sydney on 29 November.
No Evidence of Planning During Trip
Police have stated the individuals did not partake in any type of terrorist instruction or "logistical preparation" during their time in the Philippines. Early inquiries from Philippine officials indicate they "hardly ventured out of" their hotel.
The shooting—labeled as Australia's worst mass shooting since 1996—has been formally designated a terrorist incident.
"Our teams are currently examining the footage," the commissioner said, adding that early assessments suggest that "the two men are believed to have acted alone."
Australian Federal Police Commissioner Krissy Barrett told media on Tuesday that CCTV footage showing the alleged gunmen's whereabouts in the Philippines had been provided to domestic authorities.
"There is no evidence to indicate these accused individuals were affiliated with a broader organization, or were directed by overseas entities to carry out an act of violence," the police chief said.
However, the men were additionally not in the Philippines for tourism, she clarified. She emphasized that, since the inquiry is continuing, fresh information might surface.
Ideology and Court Charges
Earlier, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese remarked it appears both accused attackers were "influenced by Islamic State" ideology.
During the shooting, Sajid Akram was fatally shot by responding officers. He and his son Naveed—equipped with firearms—allegedly shot guests at the Hanukkah event.
Naveed Akram, who was wounded after the shooting, has been formally accused of 59 offences. These include 15 counts of murder and one count of carrying out a terrorist act. He is expected to face court in April.
Immigration Details
In the days following the attack, border authorities in the Philippines indicated that the older suspect had entered the country using an foreign passport, while his younger suspect used an domestic passport.
The two had stated the metropolis of Davao as their final destination. Their booked journey back to Australia was for Sydney.
Davao is a sprawling city on the east of Mindanao, the Philippines' main southern island. Historically, Militant militants have been known to operate in impoverished parts of southern and western Mindanao.
