Alleged Bondi Shooters Acted Independently and Received No Training in the Southeast Asian Nation, Authorities Confirm.
The two suspected attackers responsible for the fatal attack at a Hanukkah celebration on Bondi Beach, which claimed 15 lives, are believed to have been lone actors, as stated by national police.
Investigators further stated that the 50-year-old Sajid Akram, and his son Naveed Akram travelled to the Philippines on 1 November. Their itinerary included arriving in the main city Manila before traveling onward that same day to Davao City. The pair flew back to Sydney on 29 November.
No Evidence of Training During Visit
Police assert the duo did not partake in any form of attack-related training or "organizing" during their time in the Philippines. Early inquiries from Philippine officials indicate they "rarely left" their hotel.
The shooting—described as Australia's deadliest mass shooting since 1996—has been formally classified as a terrorist incident.
"We are actively reviewing the footage," she said, explaining that preliminary assessments show that "the two men are suspected to have operated independently."
National law enforcement Commissioner Krissy Barrett briefed media on Tuesday that security camera video tracking the alleged gunmen's activities in the Philippines had been handed over to Australian authorities.
"Our investigation shows no evidence to suggest these suspects were part of a broader organization, or were acting on orders from overseas entities to carry out an attack," she emphasized.
Yet, the pair were additionally not in the Philippines as tourists, the official clarified. She emphasized that, given that the investigation is continuing, fresh information may emerge.
Inspiration and Court Charges
In prior statements, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said it looks as though both alleged gunmen were "influenced by the so-called Islamic State" extremist views.
During the shooting, Sajid Akram was killed by police. He and his son Naveed—both armed with firearms—allegedly opened fire on attendees at the Jewish festival event.
Naveed Akram, who was wounded after the shooting, has been formally accused of 59 crimes. These encompass 15 charges of murder and one count of carrying out a act of terrorism. He is expected to appear in court in April.
Immigration Details
In the aftermath following the attack, immigration authorities in the Philippines stated that the older suspect had arrived in the country using an foreign passport, while his son used an Australian passport.
The duo had declared the metropolis of Davao as their intended endpoint. Their scheduled return flight to Australia was for Sydney.
Davao is a large urban center on the east of Mindanao, the Philippines' main southern island. The region is known because, Islamist fighters have reportedly operate in impoverished parts of southern and western Mindanao.
