The pair of accused gunmen who carried out the fatal incident at a Jewish celebration on Bondi Beach, resulting in 15 lives, appear to have been lone actors, per national police.
Authorities also confirmed that the 50-year-old Sajid Akram, and his 24-year-old son Naveed Akram, 24, flew to the Philippines on 1 November. Their itinerary involved landing in the capital Manila before connecting on the day of arrival to Davao City. The duo returned to Sydney on 29 November.
Lack of Proof of Planning During Visit
Investigators assert the duo did not partake in any form of attack-related training or "planning" during their time in the Philippines. Initial findings from local authorities suggest they "hardly ventured out of" their accommodation.
The incident—declared Australia's most severe mass shooting since 1996—has been formally designated a terrorist incident.
"We are actively analyzing the footage," she stated, explaining that early assessments indicate that "these individuals are alleged to have been lone actors."
National law enforcement Chief Krissy Barrett told media on Tuesday that surveillance material showing the alleged gunmen's activities in the Philippines had been submitted to domestic authorities.
"There is no evidence to support the idea these alleged offenders were members of a broader network, or were instructed by overseas entities to execute an attack," the police chief stated.
However, the duo were also not in the Philippines as tourists, the official clarified. She stressed that, given that the probe is continuing, additional details could come to light.
Inspiration and Court Proceedings
In prior statements, the nation's leader Anthony Albanese remarked it seems both accused attackers were "influenced by Islamic State" extremist views.
During the attack, Sajid Akram was fatally shot by responding officers. He and his son Naveed—equipped with long-barrelled guns—allegedly shot attendees at the Hanukkah event.
Naveed Akram, who was hospitalised after the attack, has been charged with 59 crimes. These encompass 15 charges of murder and one count of committing a terrorist act. He is due to appear in court in April.
Immigration Information
In the days following the shooting, immigration officials in the Philippines stated that the father had arrived in the country using an foreign passport, while his son used an Australian passport.
The two had listed the southern city of Davao as their final destination. Their scheduled journey back to Australia was for Sydney.
Davao is a sprawling metropolis on the eastern side of Mindanao, the Philippines' main southern island. It is noted that, Militant militants have reportedly be active in less developed parts of central and south-western Mindanao.
