CCTV suggests alleged Bondi shooters acted alone and did not receive training in Philippines, AFP says

"The alleged Bondi attack shooters did not receive training or come into contact with a broader terror cell while visiting the Philippines, according to current assessments by federal police, with initial investigations indicating the father and son acted alone. The Australian federal police commissioner, Krissy Barrett, said on Tuesday that Sajid and Naveen Akram had spent nearly a month in the Philippines just weeks before carrying out the antisemitic shooting at a Bondi Hanukah event on 14 December, killing 15 victims."

"The initial assessment from the Philippine national police was that the individuals rarely left their hotel, and there was no evidence to suggest they received training or underwent logistical preparation for their alleged attack, Barrett told a press conference on Tuesday. However I am not suggesting that they were there for tourism, she added. CCTV footage capturing the pair's stay in the Philippines has been provided to the AFP."

"What this points to, and I will again advise this is a point in time assessment, is that these individuals are alleged to have acted alone, Barrett said. Sign up: AU Breaking News email There is no evidence to suggest these alleged offenders were part of a broader terrorist cell, or were directed by others to carry out an attack. Sajid Akram was shot dead during the attack. His son, Naveed, has been charged with dozens of offences including 15 counts of murder."

Federal police assess the Bondi shooters acted alone and did not receive training or contact with a broader terror cell during their Philippines visit. Sajid and Naveed Akram spent nearly a month in the Philippines from 1 November to 29 November, returning to Australia two weeks before the 14 December Hanukah shooting that killed 15 people. The AFP alleges the attack was inspired by Islamic State but does not believe the gunmen were directed by a broader network. Philippine police initially reported the pair rarely left their hotel and showed no signs of training or logistical preparation. CCTV footage from their stay has been provided and investigators are continuing evidence analysis; Sajid was killed during the attack and Naveed faces multiple charges including 15 counts of murder.

Read at www.theguardian.com