Alleged Bondi Beach Attackers Operated Solo and Did Not Undergo Instruction in the Philippines, Investigators State.

The two alleged gunmen responsible for the fatal attack at a Hanukkah event on Bondi Beach, that took 15 lives, are believed to have acted alone, according to Australian authorities.

Police additionally revealed that Sajid Akram, 50, and his son Naveed Akram travelled to the Philippines on 1 November. Their travel plans involved landing in the main city Manila before traveling onward that same day to Davao City. The duo flew back to Sydney on 29 November.

Lack of Proof of Training During Trip

Authorities have stated the duo did not undergo any form of terrorist coaching or "organizing" during their time in the Philippines. Early findings from Philippine authorities suggest they "hardly ventured out of" their accommodation.

The shooting—labeled as Australia's deadliest mass shooting since 1996—has been officially designated a act of terrorism.

"Our teams are currently reviewing the footage," the commissioner said, adding that initial assessments show that "the two men are believed to have operated independently."

Australian Federal Police Commissioner Krissy Barrett briefed media on Tuesday that security camera video documenting the accused attackers' activities in the Philippines had been handed over to Australian investigators.

"There is no evidence to suggest these alleged offenders were part of a larger organization, or were acting on orders from others to execute an act of violence," Commissioner Barrett said.

Yet, the pair were likewise not in the Philippines for tourism, the official noted. She underscored that, as the probe is ongoing, new evidence could come to light.

Inspiration and Legal Proceedings

Previously, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said it looks as though both alleged attackers were "inspired by Islamic State" extremist views.

During the shooting, Sajid Akram was killed by police. He and his son Naveed—equipped with rifles—are accused of having shot guests at the Jewish festival event.

Naveed Akram, who was hospitalised after the shooting, has been charged with 59 offences. These encompass 15 counts of murder and one count of perpetrating a act of terrorism. He is expected to face court in April.

Travel Details

In the aftermath following the shooting, border officials in the Philippines reported that the father had arrived in the country using an Indian passport, while his younger suspect used an domestic passport.

The pair had stated the southern city of Davao as their final destination. Their scheduled return flight to Australia was for Sydney.

Davao is a large metropolis on the east of Mindanao, the Philippines' primary southern island. The region is known because, Islamist fighters have reportedly be active in less developed parts of central and south-western Mindanao.