Suspected Bondi Beach Shooters Operated Alone and Received No Training in the Southeast Asian Nation, Police State.
The two suspected attackers responsible for the lethal shooting at a Hanukkah gathering on Bondi Beach, resulting in 15 lives, are believed to have been lone actors, according to Australian police.
Authorities additionally revealed that the 50-year-old Sajid Akram, and his son Naveed Akram, 24, journeyed to the Philippines on 1 November. Their itinerary involved landing in the capital Manila before connecting on the day of arrival to Davao City. The duo flew back to Sydney on 29 November.
Lack of Proof of Planning During Stay
Police have stated the individuals did not receive any type of terrorist coaching or "planning" during their visit in the Philippines. Early findings from Philippine officials suggest they "rarely left" their hotel.
The attack—described as Australia's most severe mass shooting since 1996—has been officially declared a act of terrorism.
"We are currently reviewing the material," she stated, explaining that early assessments indicate that "these individuals are suspected to have been lone actors."
National law enforcement Chief Krissy Barrett informed media on Tuesday that CCTV footage showing the alleged gunmen's movements in the Philippines had been handed over to domestic investigators.
"There is no evidence to indicate these suspects were members of a larger organization, or were acting on orders from overseas entities to execute an incident," she emphasized.
However, the men were likewise not in the Philippines on a leisure trip, Commissioner Barrett added. She emphasized that, since the inquiry is still active, new evidence may surface.
Inspiration and Legal Charges
Previously, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese commented it seems both accused gunmen were "influenced by Islamic State" ideology.
During the attack, Sajid Akram was fatally shot by responding officers. He and his son Naveed—both armed with long-barrelled guns—are accused of having targeted guests at the Hanukkah celebration.
Naveed Akram, who was hospitalised after the attack, has been formally accused of 59 crimes. These encompass 15 charges of murder and one count of perpetrating a act of terrorism. He is scheduled to appear in court in April.
Immigration Details
In the wake following the attack, border officials in the Philippines stated that the father had arrived in the country using an Indian passport, while his younger suspect used an Australian passport.
The two had declared the metropolis of Davao as their final destination. Their booked return flight to Australia was for Sydney.
Davao is a sprawling metropolis on the east of Mindanao, the Philippines' largest southern island. It is noted that, Islamist groups have been known to operate in impoverished parts of central and south-western Mindanao.
