Accused Bondi Beach Attackers Acted Solo and Did Not Undergo Preparation in the Southeast Asian Nation, Police State.
The two alleged gunmen who carried out the deadly shooting at a Hanukkah event on Bondi Beach, that took 15 lives, reportedly acted alone, per Australian police.
Police further stated that the 50-year-old Sajid Akram, and his son Naveed Akram journeyed to the Philippines on 1 November. Their itinerary included landing in the main city Manila before connecting that same day to Davao City. The father and son returned to Sydney on 29 November.
No Evidence of Preparation During Trip
Police indicate the individuals did not partake in any form of terrorist instruction or "organizing" during their time in the Philippines. Early investigations from Philippine officials indicate they "mostly stayed in" their hotel.
The incident—declared Australia's deadliest firearm massacre since 1996—has been formally classified as a terrorist incident.
"Our teams are actively examining the material," the commissioner stated, noting that preliminary evaluations show that "the alleged offenders are alleged to have acted alone."
National law enforcement Chief Krissy Barrett briefed reporters on Tuesday that surveillance material tracking the alleged gunmen's activities in the Philippines had been submitted to domestic investigators.
"There is no evidence to indicate these alleged offenders were part of a wider network, or were acting on orders from others to execute an attack," the police chief stated.
However, the men were also not in the Philippines for tourism, Commissioner Barrett clarified. She emphasized that, given that the inquiry is ongoing, fresh information may emerge.
Inspiration and Legal Proceedings
Earlier, Australian leader Anthony Albanese said it seems both accused attackers were "influenced by ISIS" ideology.
During the shooting, Sajid Akram was shot dead by police. He and his son Naveed—both armed with rifles—are accused of having shot attendees at the Hanukkah celebration.
Naveed Akram, who was hospitalised after the shooting, has been charged with 59 charges. These include 15 charges of murder and one count of carrying out a terrorist act. He is due to face court in April.
Travel Information
In the wake following the attack, border authorities in the Philippines reported that the older suspect had entered the country using an foreign passport, while his son used an Australian passport.
The pair had listed the metropolis of Davao as their intended endpoint. Their booked return flight to Australia was for Sydney.
Davao is a large urban center on the east of Mindanao, the Philippines' largest southern island. It is noted that, Militant fighters have been known to be active in less developed parts of central and south-western Mindanao.