The two alleged individuals responsible for the fatal incident at a Jewish celebration on Bondi Beach, resulting in 15 lives, are believed to have operated independently, as stated by national law enforcement.
Authorities additionally revealed that the 50-year-old Sajid Akram, and his 24-year-old son Naveed Akram, 24, travelled to the Philippines on 1 November. Their itinerary involved landing in the main city Manila before traveling onward on the day of arrival to Davao City. The pair returned to Sydney on 29 November.
No Evidence of Planning During Stay
Police have stated the pair did not partake in any type of attack-related training or "logistical preparation" during their stay in the Philippines. Early inquiries from Philippine authorities indicate they "mostly stayed in" their hotel.
The incident—described as Australia's deadliest mass shooting since 1996—has been formally classified as a act of terrorism.
"Our teams are currently reviewing the footage," she said, adding that early assessments indicate that "the two men are believed to have been lone actors."
Australian Federal Police Chief Krissy Barrett informed media on Tuesday that surveillance material showing 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 organization, or were instructed by external parties to perpetrate an act of violence," the police chief emphasized.
However, the pair were also not in the Philippines for tourism, the official noted. She emphasized that, given that the probe is ongoing, new evidence may emerge.
Motivation and Court Charges
In prior statements, the nation's leader Anthony Albanese said it looks as though both alleged attackers were "influenced by the so-called Islamic State" extremist views.
During the shooting, Sajid Akram was killed by responding officers. He and his son Naveed—equipped with rifles—allegedly shot 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 comprise 15 charges of murder and one count of carrying out a act of terrorism. He is due to face court in April.
Travel Information
In the wake following the shooting, border officials in the Philippines indicated that the older suspect had entered the country using an foreign passport, while his son used an Australian passport.
The two had declared the metropolis of Davao as their final destination. Their booked return flight to Australia was for Sydney.
Davao is a large metropolis on the east of Mindanao, the Philippines' largest island in the south. It is noted that, Militant fighters have been known to operate in poorer parts of southern and western Mindanao.
