The two shooters who killed 15 people in Australia and injured 40 others acted alone during the attack, the country’s federal police said this Tuesday (30) in a statement.
According to Commissioner Krissy Barrett, the initial investigation indicates there is no evidence that the attackers were part of a larger terrorist cell or that they were instructed by a third party to carry out the attack.
Australian authorities were investigating the possible training of Naveed Akram and his father, Sajid Akram, killed by police on the day of the attack, within the Islamic State terrorist group in Manila, Philippines. Both were in the country in November.
“But I’m not saying they were there as tourists,” Barrett said.
At their Sydney home, police found flags referring to the Islamic group.
An initial analysis of video surveillance images from the hotel in the Philippine capital shows that the two men rarely left. But the Australian Federal Police are still working with Philippine authorities to assess all footage from the visit.
“I remain concerned about the plight of vulnerable adults and young people who are likely to be manipulated by clerics or other extremists who encourage violence or trivialize the use of force,” the commissioner said. “Radicalization and extremism can serve as a recruitment line for terrorist groups willing to use violence to advance their causes.”
The attack
On December 14, Naveed Akram and Sajid Akram opened fire on Bondi Beach in Sydney during a Jewish celebration. The two men killed 15 people and injured 40 others. It is the worst terrorist attack in decades in Australia.
At least one child died in the attack. An Israeli citizen was also killed. The victims ranged in age from 10 to 87 and there is no information about other foreigners.
Bondi, one of the most famous beaches in the world, is often packed with locals and tourists. Videos circulating online showed hundreds of people running in panic during the shooting.
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