The pair of accused attackers responsible for the lethal shooting at a Hanukkah gathering on Bondi Beach, which claimed 15 lives, are believed to have been lone actors, as stated by national law enforcement.
Authorities also confirmed that Sajid Akram, 50, and his son Naveed Akram journeyed to the Philippines on 1 November. Their travel plans involved arriving in the capital Manila before connecting on the day of arrival to Davao City. The duo flew back to Sydney on 29 November.
No Evidence of Planning During Stay
Police indicate the individuals did not partake in any type of terrorist instruction or "logistical preparation" during their visit in the Philippines. Early findings from local officials indicate they "hardly ventured out of" their accommodation.
The attack—labeled as Australia's most severe firearm massacre since 1996—has been formally classified as a act of terrorism.
"We are currently examining the evidence," she said, explaining that early assessments indicate that "the alleged offenders are suspected to have operated independently."
National law enforcement Commissioner Krissy Barrett briefed the press on Tuesday that security camera video documenting the accused attackers' movements in the Philippines had been handed over to domestic authorities.
"Our investigation shows little to no indication to support the idea these accused individuals were part of a larger organization, or were directed by external parties to perpetrate an attack," she emphasized.
However, the men were likewise not in the Philippines for tourism, the official added. She underscored that, as the investigation is still active, new evidence could come to light.
Motivation and Legal Charges
In prior statements, the nation's leader Anthony Albanese commented it looks as though both accused attackers were "inspired by the so-called Islamic State" extremist views.
During the shooting, Sajid Akram was shot dead by responding officers. He and his son Naveed—both armed with long-barrelled guns—are accused of having targeted guests at the Hanukkah event.
Naveed Akram, who was injured and taken to hospital after the shooting, has been charged with 59 charges. These comprise 15 counts of murder and one count of committing a act of terrorism. He is expected to appear in court in April.
Immigration Information
In the wake following the attack, immigration officials in the Philippines stated that the older suspect had arrived in the country using an Indian passport, while his younger suspect used an domestic passport.
The pair had declared the metropolis 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 southern island. The region is known because, Militant fighters have reportedly be active in less developed parts of southern and western Mindanao.
