Suspected Bondi Attackers Acted Solo and Did Not Undergo Preparation in the Southeast Asian Nation, Police State.
The two suspected attackers who carried out the fatal shooting at a Hanukkah celebration on Bondi Beach, which claimed 15 lives, appear to have acted alone, according to national authorities.
Police additionally revealed that the 50-year-old Sajid Akram, and his son Naveed Akram journeyed 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 flew back to Sydney on 29 November.
Lack of Proof of Planning During Trip
Authorities have stated the individuals did not partake in any type of attack-related training or "organizing" during their time in the Philippines. Preliminary findings from Philippine officials indicate they "rarely left" their hotel.
The shooting—declared Australia's worst mass shooting since 1996—has been formally classified as a act of terrorism.
"We are currently reviewing the evidence," she said, adding that initial assessments show that "these individuals are alleged to have acted alone."
Australian Federal Police Chief Krissy Barrett informed the press on Tuesday that security camera video showing the accused attackers' activities in the Philippines had been provided to Australian authorities.
"Our investigation shows little to no indication to support the idea these alleged offenders were members of a larger network, or were instructed by overseas entities to carry out an act of violence," she said.
Yet, the pair were additionally not necessarily in the Philippines on a leisure trip, Commissioner Barrett noted. She underscored that, since the investigation is continuing, fresh information may surface.
Ideology and Legal Proceedings
Earlier, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said it seems both accused attackers were "inspired by ISIS" ideology.
During the incident, Sajid Akram was fatally shot by responding officers. He and his son Naveed—both armed with long-barrelled guns—allegedly targeted attendees at the Jewish festival event.
Naveed Akram, who was injured and taken to hospital after the attack, has been charged with 59 charges. These encompass 15 charges of murder and one count of perpetrating a terrorist act. He is scheduled to face court in April.
Immigration Particulars
In the days following the attack, border officials in the Philippines reported that the older suspect had entered the country using an foreign passport, while his younger suspect used an domestic passport.
The two had declared the metropolis of Davao as their intended endpoint. Their pre-arranged journey back to Australia was for Sydney.
Davao is a expansive metropolis on the east of Mindanao, the Philippines' largest southern island. It is noted that, Militant militants have reportedly operate in poorer parts of southern and western Mindanao.