Accused Bondi Beach Shooters Acted Solo and Did Not Training in the Southeast Asian Nation, Authorities Say.

The pair of accused gunmen responsible for the deadly incident at a Hanukkah event on Bondi Beach, which claimed 15 lives, are believed to have operated independently, according to national police.

Authorities further stated that the 50-year-old Sajid Akram, and his 24-year-old son Naveed Akram journeyed to the Philippines on 1 November. Their itinerary involved landing in the main city Manila before transiting on the day of arrival to Davao City. The pair returned to Sydney on 29 November.

Lack of Proof of Training During Stay

Investigators have stated the individuals did not receive any form of attack-related coaching or "logistical preparation" during their visit in the Philippines. Preliminary inquiries from local authorities point to they "rarely left" their hotel.

The attack—labeled as Australia's most severe firearm massacre since 1996—has been officially designated a terrorist incident.

"We are actively analyzing the evidence," the commissioner said, adding that initial evaluations suggest that "the alleged offenders are believed to have acted alone."

National law enforcement Chief Krissy Barrett briefed media on Tuesday that surveillance material documenting the accused attackers' activities in the Philippines had been handed over to domestic authorities.

"There is no evidence to suggest these suspects were members of a broader organization, or were directed by external parties to carry out an attack," she stated.

Yet, the pair were additionally not necessarily in the Philippines for tourism, the official noted. She underscored that, given that the probe is still active, new evidence could come to light.

Ideology and Court Proceedings

Previously, Australian leader Anthony Albanese commented it appears both alleged gunmen were "inspired by ISIS" ideology.

During the attack, Sajid Akram was fatally shot by responding officers. He and his son Naveed—equipped with rifles—allegedly shot participants at the Hanukkah event.

Naveed Akram, who was wounded after the attack, has been charged with 59 crimes. These encompass 15 counts of murder and one count of carrying out a terrorist act. He is scheduled to face court in April.

Travel Information

In the aftermath following the attack, immigration officials in the Philippines reported that the older suspect had arrived in the country using an foreign passport, while his younger suspect used an Australian passport.

The duo had stated the metropolis of Davao as their intended endpoint. Their pre-arranged journey back to Australia was for Sydney.

Davao is a sprawling metropolis on the eastern side of Mindanao, the Philippines' primary southern island. It is noted that, Islamist militants have been known to operate in poorer parts of central and south-western Mindanao.