Accused Bondi Shooters Acted Solo and Did Not Instruction in the Philippines, Police Confirm.
The pair of accused gunmen responsible for the fatal incident at a Hanukkah celebration on Bondi Beach, that took 15 lives, appear to have been lone actors, according to national law enforcement.
Investigators further stated that Sajid Akram, 50, and his son Naveed Akram flew to the Philippines on 1 November. Their itinerary included landing in the capital Manila before connecting that same day to Davao City. The pair flew back to Sydney on 29 November.
Lack of Proof of Preparation During Trip
Police indicate the pair did not partake in any type of terrorist coaching or "logistical preparation" during their time in the Philippines. Early inquiries from local authorities point to they "hardly ventured out of" their hotel.
The incident—described as Australia's deadliest mass shooting since 1996—has been officially declared a terrorist incident.
"Our teams are currently examining the evidence," the commissioner stated, noting that initial reviews indicate that "the two men are believed to have acted alone."
Australian Federal Police Commissioner Krissy Barrett briefed media on Tuesday that security camera video documenting the alleged gunmen's whereabouts in the Philippines had been provided to domestic investigators.
"Our investigation shows little to no indication to suggest these alleged offenders were members of a larger terrorist cell, or were directed by others to carry out an act of violence," Commissioner Barrett said.
Yet, the duo were likewise not in the Philippines as tourists, she added. She emphasized that, as the inquiry is continuing, fresh information could come to light.
Inspiration and Legal Proceedings
In prior statements, the nation's leader Anthony Albanese remarked it looks as though both alleged gunmen were "influenced by Islamic State" beliefs.
During the shooting, Sajid Akram was fatally shot by police. He and his son Naveed—reportedly carrying firearms—are accused of having opened fire on guests at the Jewish festival celebration.
Naveed Akram, who was hospitalised after the shooting, has been formally accused of 59 charges. These encompass 15 counts of murder and one count of carrying out a terrorist act. He is expected to appear in court in April.
Immigration Information
In the days following the attack, border officials in the Philippines reported that the father had entered the country using an foreign passport, while his son used an Australian passport.
The two had listed the metropolis of Davao as their final destination. Their booked return flight to Australia was for Sydney.
Davao is a large city on the east of Mindanao, the Philippines' largest southern island. Historically, Militant groups have been known to operate in impoverished parts of southern and western Mindanao.
