Alleged Bondi Beach Gunmen Operated Solo and Did Not Undergo Preparation in the Southeast Asian Nation, Police State.
The two alleged gunmen responsible for the deadly shooting at a Hanukkah celebration on Bondi Beach, resulting in 15 lives, reportedly acted alone, per national police.
Police additionally revealed that the 50-year-old Sajid Akram, and his 24-year-old son Naveed Akram, 24, flew to the Philippines on 1 November. Their itinerary involved landing in the main city Manila before connecting on the day of arrival to Davao City. The father and son flew back to Sydney on 29 November.
No Evidence of Preparation During Visit
Police have stated the pair did not partake in any type of attack-related coaching or "logistical preparation" during their stay in the Philippines. Preliminary inquiries from Philippine authorities suggest they "rarely left" their hotel.
The incident—declared Australia's deadliest mass shooting since 1996—has been officially classified as a act of terrorism.
"Our teams are currently examining the footage," the commissioner stated, adding that preliminary reviews indicate that "these individuals are suspected to have operated independently."
National law enforcement Commissioner Krissy Barrett informed the press on Tuesday that CCTV footage showing the alleged gunmen's whereabouts in the Philippines had been provided to domestic investigators.
"There is little to no indication to suggest these accused individuals were part of a larger organization, or were acting on orders from external parties to perpetrate an incident," the police chief said.
But, the pair were also not necessarily in the Philippines as tourists, she added. She underscored that, given that the inquiry is continuing, new evidence could surface.
Motivation and Court Proceedings
In prior statements, Australian leader Anthony Albanese said it seems both alleged attackers were "influenced by the so-called Islamic State" beliefs.
During the shooting, Sajid Akram was shot dead by police. He and his son Naveed—reportedly carrying long-barrelled guns—are accused of having opened fire on attendees at the Jewish festival event.
Naveed Akram, who was wounded after the attack, has been formally accused of 59 charges. These encompass 15 charges of murder and one count of perpetrating a terrorist act. He is expected to appear in court in April.
Immigration Details
In the aftermath following the shooting, immigration authorities in the Philippines indicated that the father had entered the country using an Indian passport, while his son used an domestic passport.
The duo had listed the southern city of Davao as their final destination. Their booked journey back to Australia was for Sydney.
Davao is a expansive metropolis on the east of Mindanao, the Philippines' largest island in the south. It is noted that, Militant groups have been known to operate in poorer parts of southern and western Mindanao.
