Suspected Bondi Beach Shooters Operated Solo and Received No Instruction in the Southeast Asian Nation, Investigators State.
The two alleged gunmen responsible for the fatal shooting at a Jewish celebration on Bondi Beach, which claimed 15 lives, reportedly acted alone, according to Australian authorities.
Police also confirmed that Sajid Akram, 50, and his son Naveed Akram journeyed to the Philippines on 1 November. Their itinerary included landing in the capital Manila before traveling onward on the day of arrival to Davao City. The duo flew back to Sydney on 29 November.
Lack of Proof of Preparation During Trip
Authorities have stated the duo did not partake in any form of terrorist training or "logistical preparation" during their visit in the Philippines. Early inquiries from local authorities suggest they "rarely left" their hotel.
The incident—described as Australia's deadliest mass shooting since 1996—has been officially classified as a act of terrorism.
"Our teams are currently reviewing the evidence," the commissioner stated, noting that preliminary reviews indicate that "the two men are alleged to have acted alone."
Australian Federal Police Chief Krissy Barrett briefed the press on Tuesday that CCTV footage documenting the alleged gunmen's activities in the Philippines had been handed over to Australian authorities.
"Our investigation shows no evidence to suggest these suspects were part of a broader network, or were acting on orders from external parties to perpetrate an incident," she stated.
Yet, the duo were additionally not in the Philippines on a leisure trip, the official clarified. She emphasized that, since the investigation is still active, additional details could emerge.
Ideology and Court Charges
Earlier, the nation's Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said it seems both alleged attackers were "influenced by the so-called Islamic State" extremist views.
During the incident, Sajid Akram was shot dead by responding officers. He and his son Naveed—equipped with long-barrelled guns—allegedly targeted participants at the Hanukkah celebration.
Naveed Akram, who was injured and taken to hospital after the shooting, has been formally accused of 59 offences. These include 15 charges of murder and one count of committing a act of terrorism. He is expected to face court in April.
Immigration Details
In the wake following the shooting, border authorities in the Philippines reported that the older suspect had entered the country using an Indian passport, while his son used an Australian passport.
The two had stated the southern city of Davao as their final destination. Their scheduled journey back to Australia was for Sydney.
Davao is a expansive metropolis on the east of Mindanao, the Philippines' primary island in the south. The region is known because, Militant groups have reportedly operate in impoverished parts of central and south-western Mindanao.
