The two suspected attackers responsible for the fatal incident at a Hanukkah event on Bondi Beach, that took 15 lives, appear to have acted alone, according to Australian authorities.
Investigators also confirmed that Sajid Akram, 50, and his son Naveed Akram travelled to the Philippines on 1 November. Their travel plans involved landing in the main city Manila before connecting that same day to Davao City. The pair flew back to Sydney on 29 November.
No Evidence of Planning During Visit
Authorities have stated the duo did not undergo any type of terrorist coaching or "planning" during their stay in the Philippines. Preliminary investigations from Philippine authorities indicate they "hardly ventured out of" their accommodation.
The attack—labeled as Australia's most severe firearm massacre since 1996—has been formally declared a act of terrorism.
"We are actively examining the evidence," the commissioner said, adding that initial reviews show that "the alleged offenders are believed to have been lone actors."
National law enforcement Commissioner Krissy Barrett told media on Tuesday that security camera video documenting the accused attackers' whereabouts in the Philippines had been submitted to Australian investigators.
"Our investigation shows no evidence to indicate these accused individuals were members of a wider organization, or were acting on orders from others to execute an attack," Commissioner Barrett emphasized.
Yet, the men were also not in the Philippines for tourism, she added. She emphasized that, given that the investigation is continuing, fresh information may emerge.
Inspiration and Legal Proceedings
In prior statements, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said it appears both accused attackers were "inspired by the so-called Islamic State" ideology.
During the incident, Sajid Akram was fatally shot by responding officers. He and his son Naveed—reportedly carrying long-barrelled guns—allegedly opened fire on participants at the Hanukkah celebration.
Naveed Akram, who was injured and taken to hospital after the attack, has been charged with 59 offences. These encompass 15 charges of murder and one count of committing a terrorist act. He is expected to face court in April.
Travel Particulars
In the wake following the attack, immigration authorities in the Philippines stated that the older suspect 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 final destination. Their booked journey back to Australia was for Sydney.
Davao is a sprawling city on the eastern side of Mindanao, the Philippines' primary southern island. It is noted that, Militant fighters have been known to be active in poorer parts of southern and western Mindanao.
