The two suspected attackers responsible for the lethal attack at a Jewish celebration on Bondi Beach, which claimed 15 lives, appear to have acted alone, as stated by Australian law enforcement.
Authorities additionally revealed that the 50-year-old Sajid Akram, and his son Naveed Akram flew to the Philippines on 1 November. Their travel plans included landing in the capital Manila before transiting that same day to Davao City. The duo returned to Sydney on 29 November.
Lack of Proof of Preparation During Visit
Authorities assert the duo did not receive any form of terrorist instruction or "planning" during their stay in the Philippines. Preliminary investigations from Philippine authorities indicate they "rarely left" their accommodation.
The attack—labeled as Australia's deadliest firearm massacre since 1996—has been officially classified as a act of terrorism.
"Our teams are currently reviewing the evidence," she stated, noting that initial evaluations indicate that "these individuals are believed to have acted alone."
Australian Federal Police Chief Krissy Barrett briefed media on Tuesday that CCTV footage tracking the accused attackers' activities in the Philippines had been submitted to Australian authorities.
"There is little to no indication to indicate these alleged offenders were part of a wider organization, or were acting on orders from others to execute an incident," she stated.
However, the pair were likewise not in the Philippines for tourism, she added. She stressed that, as the investigation is still active, additional details could emerge.
Motivation and Court Charges
In prior statements, the nation's Prime Minister Anthony Albanese commented it appears both accused attackers were "influenced by ISIS" extremist views.
During the attack, Sajid Akram was killed by police. He and his son Naveed—reportedly carrying firearms—are accused of having shot participants at the Hanukkah event.
Naveed Akram, who was hospitalised after the shooting, has been formally accused of 59 crimes. These comprise 15 charges of murder and one count of committing a terrorist act. He is due to face court in April.
Travel Information
In the wake following the attack, immigration officials in the Philippines stated that the father had entered the country using an Indian passport, while his son used an Australian passport.
The two had declared the southern city of Davao as their intended endpoint. Their pre-arranged return flight to Australia was for Sydney.
Davao is a sprawling metropolis on the eastern side of Mindanao, the Philippines' main island in the south. It is noted that, Islamist groups have reportedly operate in impoverished parts of southern and western Mindanao.
