Accused Bondi Beach Attackers Acted Alone and Received No Instruction in the Southeast Asian Nation, Police State.
The two alleged attackers who carried out the lethal incident at a Jewish event on Bondi Beach, that took 15 lives, appear to have acted alone, per national police.
Investigators 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 arriving in the main city Manila before connecting on the day of arrival to Davao City. The duo returned to Sydney on 29 November.
Lack of Proof of Preparation During Trip
Police have stated the individuals did not receive any type of terrorist coaching or "organizing" during their stay in the Philippines. Initial investigations from local officials point to they "rarely left" their hotel.
The shooting—described as Australia's most severe firearm massacre since 1996—has been officially declared a act of terrorism.
"We are actively examining the evidence," she stated, noting that early reviews indicate that "the alleged offenders are alleged to have operated independently."
National law enforcement Chief Krissy Barrett informed reporters on Tuesday that CCTV footage tracking the accused attackers' activities in the Philippines had been submitted to Australian investigators.
"There is no evidence to suggest these accused individuals were part of a larger network, or were acting on orders from others to carry out an incident," she said.
But, the men were additionally not in the Philippines as tourists, Commissioner Barrett added. She stressed that, given that the investigation is continuing, new evidence could come to light.
Motivation and Court Proceedings
Earlier, the nation's Prime Minister Anthony Albanese commented it appears both accused attackers were "inspired by ISIS" extremist views.
During the shooting, Sajid Akram was shot dead by police. He and his son Naveed—both armed with long-barrelled guns—are accused of having targeted guests at the Jewish festival celebration.
Naveed Akram, who was wounded after the shooting, has been charged with 59 offences. These include 15 charges of murder and one count of carrying out a act of terrorism. He is scheduled to face court in April.
Travel Details
In the wake following the shooting, border authorities in the Philippines stated 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 urban center on the east of Mindanao, the Philippines' largest southern island. The region is known because, Militant groups have been known to be active in poorer parts of southern and western Mindanao.
