Suspected Bondi Beach Attackers Operated Alone and Did Not Preparation in the Southeast Asian Nation, Authorities State.
The two suspected individuals who carried out the fatal attack at a Jewish celebration on Bondi Beach, that took 15 lives, appear to have operated independently, according to Australian law enforcement.
Authorities additionally revealed that Sajid Akram, 50, and his 24-year-old son Naveed Akram, 24, journeyed to the Philippines on 1 November. Their itinerary involved landing in the main city Manila before transiting that same day to Davao City. The father and son returned to Sydney on 29 November.
Lack of Proof of Planning During Visit
Police indicate the pair did not undergo any type of attack-related training or "logistical preparation" during their time in the Philippines. Early inquiries from Philippine authorities indicate they "mostly stayed in" their hotel.
The attack—declared Australia's most severe mass shooting since 1996—has been formally declared a act of terrorism.
"We are currently analyzing the evidence," she stated, adding that preliminary reviews indicate that "the two men are suspected to have operated independently."
National law enforcement Chief Krissy Barrett informed reporters on Tuesday that security camera video documenting the accused attackers' whereabouts in the Philippines had been handed over to Australian investigators.
"Our investigation shows no evidence to indicate these alleged offenders were part of a broader network, or were directed by overseas entities to execute an attack," Commissioner Barrett stated.
But, the duo were also not in the Philippines as tourists, she added. She stressed that, as the investigation is continuing, additional details might surface.
Motivation and Court Proceedings
Earlier, the nation's Prime Minister Anthony Albanese commented it seems both alleged attackers were "influenced by the so-called Islamic State" beliefs.
During the shooting, Sajid Akram was killed by responding officers. He and his son Naveed—reportedly carrying long-barrelled guns—allegedly targeted attendees at the Hanukkah event.
Naveed Akram, who was hospitalised after the attack, has been charged with 59 offences. These encompass 15 counts of murder and one count of perpetrating a terrorist act. He is expected to appear in court in April.
Travel Particulars
In the aftermath following the shooting, border authorities in the Philippines stated that the older suspect had entered the country using an Indian passport, while his son used an domestic passport.
The duo had declared the southern city of Davao as their intended endpoint. Their pre-arranged journey back to Australia was for Sydney.
Davao is a large urban center on the east of Mindanao, the Philippines' primary southern island. It is noted that, Islamist fighters have been known to be active in impoverished parts of southern and western Mindanao.
