The two alleged attackers who carried out the lethal shooting at a Hanukkah event on Bondi Beach, that took 15 lives, appear to have operated independently, as stated by national law enforcement.
Authorities additionally revealed that Sajid Akram, 50, and his 24-year-old son Naveed Akram journeyed to the Philippines on 1 November. Their itinerary included arriving in the main city Manila before transiting on the day of arrival to Davao City. The pair flew back to Sydney on 29 November.
Lack of Proof of Preparation During Stay
Police indicate the individuals did not partake in any type of terrorist instruction or "organizing" during their stay in the Philippines. Early findings from Philippine officials point to they "rarely left" their hotel.
The shooting—described as Australia's most severe firearm massacre since 1996—has been formally classified as a terrorist incident.
"We are currently reviewing the evidence," the commissioner stated, adding that preliminary assessments show that "the two men are suspected to have been lone actors."
Australian Federal Police Chief Krissy Barrett informed reporters on Tuesday that CCTV footage tracking the alleged gunmen's whereabouts in the Philippines had been handed over to Australian authorities.
"There is little to no indication to suggest these accused individuals were affiliated with a larger terrorist cell, or were instructed by external parties to perpetrate an act of violence," she said.
However, the men were additionally not necessarily in the Philippines for tourism, she noted. She underscored that, as the investigation is continuing, new evidence may come to light.
Ideology and Legal Charges
Previously, Australian leader Anthony Albanese commented it seems both accused attackers were "motivated by Islamic State" ideology.
During the incident, Sajid Akram was killed by police. He and his son Naveed—both armed with rifles—are accused of having opened fire on guests at the Hanukkah event.
Naveed Akram, who was hospitalised after the attack, has been formally accused of 59 crimes. These comprise 15 counts of murder and one count of carrying out a act of terrorism. He is expected to appear in court in April.
Immigration Information
In the wake following the attack, border officials in the Philippines stated that the father had arrived in the country using an Indian passport, while his son used an Australian passport.
The two had stated the metropolis of Davao as their intended endpoint. Their pre-arranged return flight to Australia was for Sydney.
Davao is a large city on the eastern side of Mindanao, the Philippines' main southern island. It is noted that, Islamist fighters have been known to be active in less developed parts of southern and western Mindanao.
