Accused Bondi Attackers Operated Independently and Did Not Instruction in the Philippines, Authorities Say.
The two alleged attackers who carried out the deadly shooting at a Jewish event on Bondi Beach, that took 15 lives, are believed to have operated independently, as stated by national police.
Police further stated that the 50-year-old Sajid Akram, and his 24-year-old son Naveed Akram, 24, travelled to the Philippines on 1 November. Their itinerary involved arriving in the capital Manila before traveling onward that same day to Davao City. The duo returned to Sydney on 29 November.
Lack of Proof of Planning During Visit
Investigators assert the individuals did not partake in any form of terrorist coaching or "organizing" during their visit in the Philippines. Early investigations from local authorities point to they "hardly ventured out of" their accommodation.
The shooting—labeled as Australia's worst firearm massacre since 1996—has been officially designated a terrorist incident.
"We are currently reviewing the material," she stated, adding that preliminary assessments show that "the two men are suspected to have operated independently."
Australian Federal Police Commissioner Krissy Barrett informed reporters on Tuesday that security camera video tracking the alleged gunmen's whereabouts in the Philippines had been handed over to domestic investigators.
"There is little to no indication to suggest these accused individuals were affiliated with a broader network, or were instructed by external parties to perpetrate an attack," the police chief stated.
But, the duo were likewise not in the Philippines for tourism, the official clarified. She underscored that, as the inquiry is ongoing, new evidence could surface.
Inspiration and Legal Charges
Earlier, the nation's leader Anthony Albanese remarked it seems both accused attackers were "influenced by ISIS" beliefs.
During the shooting, Sajid Akram was shot dead by responding officers. He and his son Naveed—reportedly carrying rifles—allegedly opened fire on participants at the Jewish festival celebration.
Naveed Akram, who was hospitalised after the shooting, has been formally accused of 59 crimes. These encompass 15 charges of murder and one count of committing a terrorist act. He is due to appear in court in April.
Immigration Particulars
In the days following the attack, immigration authorities in the Philippines reported that the older suspect had arrived in the country using an foreign passport, while his younger suspect used an Australian passport.
The pair had stated the southern city of Davao as their intended endpoint. Their scheduled journey back to Australia was for Sydney.
Davao is a sprawling urban center on the east of Mindanao, the Philippines' main island in the south. Historically, Islamist militants have reportedly operate in less developed parts of southern and western Mindanao.
