The two suspected attackers who carried out the fatal attack at a Hanukkah event on Bondi Beach, that took 15 lives, are believed to have operated independently, per national authorities.
Police additionally revealed that Sajid Akram, 50, and his 24-year-old son Naveed Akram travelled to the Philippines on 1 November. Their itinerary included arriving in the capital Manila before traveling onward that same day to Davao City. The pair flew back to Sydney on 29 November.
Lack of Proof of Preparation During Stay
Investigators indicate the pair did not partake in any form of attack-related instruction or "logistical preparation" during their visit in the Philippines. Early inquiries from local authorities indicate they "hardly ventured out of" their hotel.
The shooting—labeled as Australia's worst mass shooting since 1996—has been formally classified as a terrorist incident.
"Our teams are currently analyzing the evidence," the commissioner stated, explaining that initial reviews indicate that "the two men are believed to have acted alone."
Australian Federal Police Chief Krissy Barrett told reporters on Tuesday that CCTV footage tracking the accused attackers' whereabouts in the Philippines had been submitted to domestic authorities.
"Our investigation shows no evidence to support the idea these alleged offenders were affiliated with a wider organization, or were instructed by external parties to carry out an act of violence," she stated.
But, the duo were also not necessarily in the Philippines as tourists, the official clarified. She emphasized that, since the probe is ongoing, additional details could emerge.
Motivation and Court Proceedings
Earlier, the nation's leader Anthony Albanese commented it seems both accused gunmen were "influenced by ISIS" beliefs.
During the shooting, Sajid Akram was killed by responding officers. He and his son Naveed—equipped with long-barrelled guns—are accused of having targeted participants at the Jewish festival celebration.
Naveed Akram, who was hospitalised after the attack, has been formally accused of 59 crimes. These include 15 charges of murder and one count of committing a act of terrorism. He is due to face court in April.
Travel Details
In the aftermath following the attack, immigration authorities in the Philippines reported that the older suspect had entered the country using an foreign passport, while his younger suspect used an Australian passport.
The pair had declared the southern city of Davao as their intended endpoint. Their booked journey back to Australia was for Sydney.
Davao is a large city on the east of Mindanao, the Philippines' largest southern island. It is noted that, Islamist militants have been known to operate in poorer parts of southern and western Mindanao.
