Suspected Bondi Shooters Acted Solo and Received No Instruction in the Philippines, Police State.
The two suspected attackers who carried out the deadly shooting at a Jewish gathering on Bondi Beach, that took 15 lives, reportedly been lone actors, according to Australian police.
Authorities also confirmed that the 50-year-old Sajid Akram, and his 24-year-old son Naveed Akram journeyed to the Philippines on 1 November. Their travel plans involved landing in the capital Manila before traveling onward on the day of arrival to Davao City. The duo returned to Sydney on 29 November.
No Evidence of Preparation During Visit
Authorities assert the individuals did not receive any type of terrorist instruction or "logistical preparation" during their time in the Philippines. Early findings from Philippine authorities suggest they "mostly stayed in" their hotel.
The attack—declared Australia's worst mass shooting since 1996—has been officially declared a terrorist incident.
"We are actively analyzing the material," the commissioner said, adding that initial assessments suggest that "the two men are alleged to have been lone actors."
National law enforcement Chief Krissy Barrett told reporters on Tuesday that security camera video tracking the alleged gunmen's movements in the Philippines had been submitted to domestic authorities.
"There is little to no indication to suggest these suspects were members of a larger organization, or were directed by overseas entities to carry out an act of violence," Commissioner Barrett said.
But, the pair were additionally not necessarily in the Philippines on a leisure trip, Commissioner Barrett clarified. She underscored that, as the probe is ongoing, fresh information could surface.
Motivation and Legal Proceedings
Previously, the nation's Prime Minister Anthony Albanese remarked it looks as though both accused attackers were "motivated by ISIS" beliefs.
During the attack, Sajid Akram was shot dead by responding officers. He and his son Naveed—both armed with rifles—allegedly targeted participants at the Jewish festival event.
Naveed Akram, who was hospitalised after the shooting, has been formally accused of 59 charges. These comprise 15 counts of murder and one count of committing a terrorist act. He is due to face court in April.
Immigration Particulars
In the days following the attack, immigration authorities in the Philippines stated that the father had arrived in the country using an foreign passport, while his son used an domestic passport.
The duo had stated the metropolis of Davao as their final destination. Their pre-arranged return flight to Australia was for Sydney.
Davao is a expansive urban center on the east of Mindanao, the Philippines' main island in the south. Historically, Militant fighters have been known to be active in impoverished parts of central and south-western Mindanao.
