The two suspected individuals who carried out the deadly attack at a Hanukkah gathering on Bondi Beach, that took 15 lives, reportedly been lone actors, according to Australian authorities.
Investigators also confirmed that the 50-year-old Sajid Akram, and his 24-year-old son Naveed Akram flew 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 pair returned to Sydney on 29 November.
No Evidence of Planning During Trip
Investigators assert the pair did not receive any type of attack-related coaching or "logistical preparation" during their time in the Philippines. Early inquiries from Philippine officials suggest they "rarely left" their hotel.
The incident—described as Australia's deadliest firearm massacre since 1996—has been officially designated a act of terrorism.
"We are actively examining the material," she stated, noting that preliminary reviews show that "these individuals are alleged to have operated independently."
Australian Federal Police Commissioner Krissy Barrett told media on Tuesday that surveillance material tracking the alleged gunmen's whereabouts in the Philippines had been submitted to Australian authorities.
"Our investigation shows little to no indication to suggest these alleged offenders were part of a larger terrorist cell, or were directed by others to perpetrate an incident," Commissioner Barrett stated.
However, the men were likewise not necessarily in the Philippines for tourism, she clarified. She stressed that, since the inquiry is continuing, fresh information could emerge.
Motivation and Legal Proceedings
Previously, the nation's leader Anthony Albanese remarked it appears both accused attackers were "influenced by Islamic State" extremist views.
During the attack, Sajid Akram was killed by police. He and his son Naveed—equipped with rifles—allegedly shot participants at the Hanukkah celebration.
Naveed Akram, who was wounded after the attack, has been charged with 59 offences. These include 15 counts of murder and one count of carrying out a terrorist act. He is due to face court in April.
Immigration Particulars
In the wake following the attack, border officials in the Philippines indicated that the father had arrived in the country using an Indian passport, while his son used an domestic passport.
The pair had declared the metropolis of Davao as their intended endpoint. Their pre-arranged journey back to Australia was for Sydney.
Davao is a expansive city on the east of Mindanao, the Philippines' largest southern island. It is noted that, Islamist groups have reportedly be active in less developed parts of central and south-western Mindanao.
