Alleged Bondi Beach Attackers Acted Alone and Did Not Preparation in the Philippines, Authorities State.
The pair of accused gunmen who carried out the deadly incident at a Hanukkah gathering on Bondi Beach, which claimed 15 lives, appear to have been lone actors, as stated by Australian authorities.
Police additionally revealed that Sajid Akram, 50, and his son Naveed Akram flew to the Philippines on 1 November. Their travel plans included arriving 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
Authorities assert the individuals did not partake in any type of attack-related instruction or "planning" during their visit in the Philippines. Initial inquiries from local authorities suggest they "hardly ventured out of" their accommodation.
The incident—declared Australia's most severe mass shooting since 1996—has been formally declared a act of terrorism.
"We are actively reviewing the material," the commissioner said, explaining that initial evaluations indicate that "these individuals are alleged to have been lone actors."
Australian Federal Police Commissioner Krissy Barrett briefed media on Tuesday that surveillance material showing the alleged gunmen's activities in the Philippines had been provided to Australian authorities.
"Our investigation shows little to no indication to indicate these accused individuals were part of a wider organization, or were instructed by others to carry out an act of violence," she stated.
Yet, the duo were also not necessarily in the Philippines for tourism, Commissioner Barrett noted. She emphasized that, as the inquiry is ongoing, new evidence may surface.
Inspiration and Court Charges
In prior statements, Australian leader Anthony Albanese remarked it seems both alleged attackers were "inspired by ISIS" extremist views.
During the incident, Sajid Akram was shot dead by police. He and his son Naveed—both armed with firearms—are accused of having targeted attendees at the Hanukkah celebration.
Naveed Akram, who was wounded after the attack, has been formally accused of 59 charges. These comprise 15 charges of murder and one count of perpetrating a terrorist act. He is due to appear in court in April.
Travel Particulars
In the aftermath following the attack, immigration officials in the Philippines indicated that the older suspect had entered the country using an foreign passport, while his younger suspect used an Australian passport.
The duo had stated the metropolis of Davao as their final destination. Their pre-arranged journey back to Australia was for Sydney.
Davao is a large urban center on the eastern side of Mindanao, the Philippines' primary southern island. It is noted that, Militant groups have reportedly be active in poorer parts of southern and western Mindanao.
