The two alleged individuals responsible for the fatal incident at a Hanukkah celebration on Bondi Beach, that took 15 lives, are believed to have acted alone, according to Australian police.
Police additionally revealed that the 50-year-old Sajid Akram, and his son Naveed Akram, 24, travelled 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 Preparation During Stay
Police have stated the duo did not receive any form of attack-related training or "planning" during their stay in the Philippines. Early inquiries from Philippine authorities indicate they "mostly stayed in" their accommodation.
The attack—labeled as Australia's most severe firearm massacre since 1996—has been formally classified as a act of terrorism.
"Our teams are currently examining the footage," she said, adding that preliminary reviews show that "the alleged offenders are alleged to have been lone actors."
National law enforcement Chief Krissy Barrett briefed the press on Tuesday that security camera video tracking the alleged gunmen's movements in the Philippines had been submitted to domestic investigators.
"There is little to no indication to indicate these accused individuals were members of a broader organization, or were instructed by others to carry out an act of violence," the police chief said.
Yet, the duo were likewise not in the Philippines for tourism, Commissioner Barrett clarified. She emphasized that, given that the inquiry is continuing, additional details could come to light.
Ideology and Court Charges
Previously, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese remarked it appears both accused gunmen were "inspired by the so-called Islamic State" extremist views.
During the shooting, Sajid Akram was killed by police. He and his son Naveed—reportedly carrying firearms—are accused of having targeted guests at the Jewish festival event.
Naveed Akram, who was hospitalised after the shooting, has been formally accused of 59 charges. These include 15 counts of murder and one count of carrying out a terrorist act. He is due to face court in April.
Immigration Information
In the wake following the attack, border authorities in the Philippines stated that the father had entered the country using an foreign passport, while his son used an Australian passport.
The two had stated the metropolis of Davao as their final destination. Their pre-arranged return flight to Australia was for Sydney.
Davao is a expansive city on the east of Mindanao, the Philippines' largest southern island. Historically, Islamist militants have reportedly operate in impoverished parts of central and south-western Mindanao.
