Accused Bondi Beach Gunmen Acted Solo and Did Not Preparation in the Philippines, Investigators State.

The pair of accused individuals responsible for the fatal attack at a Hanukkah event on Bondi Beach, resulting in 15 lives, appear to have been lone actors, according to national authorities.

Police further stated that Sajid Akram, 50, and his 24-year-old son Naveed Akram, 24, flew to the Philippines on 1 November. Their travel plans involved arriving in the capital Manila before transiting on the day of arrival to Davao City. The father and son flew back to Sydney on 29 November.

Lack of Proof of Preparation During Visit

Police have stated the duo did not partake in any form of terrorist coaching or "organizing" during their visit in the Philippines. Early inquiries from local authorities suggest they "hardly ventured out of" their hotel.

The shooting—declared Australia's deadliest firearm massacre since 1996—has been formally classified as a terrorist incident.

"Our teams are currently analyzing the material," the commissioner stated, noting that early reviews indicate that "the alleged offenders are alleged to have operated independently."

Australian Federal Police Chief Krissy Barrett informed reporters on Tuesday that CCTV footage documenting the accused attackers' activities in the Philippines had been handed over to Australian investigators.

"Our investigation shows little to no indication to suggest these alleged offenders were members of a wider terrorist cell, or were instructed by others to execute an attack," she said.

But, the pair were additionally not in the Philippines as tourists, Commissioner Barrett clarified. She stressed that, as the investigation is still active, new evidence might come to light.

Ideology and Court Charges

In prior statements, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese remarked it seems both accused attackers were "motivated by Islamic State" extremist views.

During the shooting, Sajid Akram was killed by police. He and his son Naveed—reportedly carrying rifles—are accused of having shot attendees at the Hanukkah event.

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

Travel Information

In the wake following the attack, immigration authorities in the Philippines indicated that the older suspect had arrived in the country using an Indian passport, while his younger suspect used an Australian passport.

The duo had listed the metropolis of Davao as their intended endpoint. Their scheduled journey back to Australia was for Sydney.

Davao is a large metropolis on the east of Mindanao, the Philippines' primary southern island. It is noted that, Militant militants have been known to be active in impoverished parts of central and south-western Mindanao.