Alleged Bondi Beach Gunmen Acted Independently and Did Not Undergo Training in the Southeast Asian Nation, Investigators State.
The two suspected gunmen responsible for the lethal attack at a Hanukkah gathering on Bondi Beach, which claimed 15 lives, reportedly been lone actors, as stated by Australian police.
Authorities additionally revealed that Sajid Akram, 50, and his son Naveed Akram journeyed to the Philippines on 1 November. Their travel plans included 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 Training During Stay
Police assert the duo did not receive any type of attack-related training or "logistical preparation" during their visit in the Philippines. Preliminary findings from Philippine authorities point to they "hardly ventured out of" their hotel.
The shooting—described as Australia's deadliest mass shooting since 1996—has been formally declared a act of terrorism.
"We are currently analyzing the footage," she said, adding that preliminary reviews suggest that "these individuals are alleged to have operated independently."
Australian Federal Police Chief Krissy Barrett told reporters on Tuesday that security camera video showing the accused attackers' movements in the Philippines had been handed over to Australian investigators.
"Our investigation shows no evidence to suggest these accused individuals were affiliated with a larger network, or were acting on orders from others to carry out an incident," she emphasized.
Yet, the duo were likewise not in the Philippines for tourism, she noted. She underscored that, as the inquiry is still active, new evidence could come to light.
Inspiration and Court Proceedings
In prior statements, Australian leader Anthony Albanese remarked it seems both accused gunmen were "influenced by the so-called Islamic State" ideology.
During the shooting, Sajid Akram was shot dead by police. He and his son Naveed—equipped with firearms—allegedly shot attendees at the Hanukkah celebration.
Naveed Akram, who was injured and taken to hospital after the attack, has been charged with 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.
Travel Details
In the wake following the shooting, border authorities in the Philippines reported that the father had entered the country using an foreign passport, while his son used an domestic passport.
The pair had declared the metropolis of Davao as their final destination. Their pre-arranged journey back to Australia was for Sydney.
Davao is a large city on the eastern side of Mindanao, the Philippines' main island in the south. The region is known because, Militant groups have been known to operate in impoverished parts of central and south-western Mindanao.
