Accused Bondi Attackers Operated Independently and Did Not Undergo Instruction in the Southeast Asian Nation, Authorities Say.
The two alleged individuals responsible for the fatal incident at a Hanukkah gathering on Bondi Beach, that took 15 lives, are believed to have been lone actors, as stated by Australian police.
Authorities additionally revealed that the 50-year-old Sajid Akram, and his 24-year-old son Naveed Akram, 24, travelled to the Philippines on 1 November. Their travel plans involved landing in the main city Manila before traveling onward on the day of arrival to Davao City. The pair returned to Sydney on 29 November.
No Evidence of Planning During Stay
Police indicate the individuals did not receive any type of terrorist instruction or "organizing" during their stay in the Philippines. Preliminary investigations from local officials point to they "hardly ventured out of" their accommodation.
The attack—described as Australia's most severe firearm massacre since 1996—has been officially classified as a act of terrorism.
"We are actively reviewing the material," she stated, noting that preliminary assessments show that "these individuals are suspected to have been lone actors."
National law enforcement Chief Krissy Barrett briefed the press on Tuesday that surveillance material tracking the alleged gunmen's activities in the Philippines had been provided to domestic investigators.
"There is little to no indication to indicate these accused individuals were part of a broader network, or were acting on orders from others to perpetrate an act of violence," she emphasized.
However, the men were likewise not necessarily in the Philippines as tourists, Commissioner Barrett clarified. She stressed that, given that the probe is still active, fresh information may come to light.
Motivation and Legal Proceedings
In prior statements, the nation's leader Anthony Albanese said it seems both alleged gunmen were "motivated by ISIS" extremist views.
During the attack, Sajid Akram was fatally shot by police. He and his son Naveed—reportedly carrying long-barrelled guns—allegedly targeted attendees at the Hanukkah celebration.
Naveed Akram, who was wounded after the attack, has been charged with 59 offences. These include 15 charges of murder and one count of perpetrating a terrorist act. He is expected to appear in court in April.
Travel Information
In the days following the attack, border officials in the Philippines indicated that the father had arrived in the country using an foreign passport, while his son used an Australian passport.
The duo had listed the southern city of Davao as their final destination. Their scheduled return flight to Australia was for Sydney.
Davao is a expansive city on the east of Mindanao, the Philippines' largest island in the south. The region is known because, Islamist fighters have reportedly operate in less developed parts of southern and western Mindanao.
