Alleged Bondi Beach Attackers Acted Independently and Did Not Preparation in the Southeast Asian Nation, Investigators Say.

The pair of accused gunmen who carried out the fatal shooting at a Hanukkah event on Bondi Beach, resulting in 15 lives, are believed to have acted alone, as stated by Australian authorities.

Investigators additionally revealed that Sajid Akram, 50, and his son Naveed Akram, 24, journeyed to the Philippines on 1 November. Their travel plans included arriving 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 Preparation During Trip

Police assert the pair did not undergo any type of terrorist coaching or "planning" during their visit in the Philippines. Initial findings from local authorities point to they "mostly stayed in" their hotel.

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

"We are currently examining the footage," the commissioner said, explaining that initial reviews suggest that "these individuals are alleged to have been lone actors."

Australian Federal Police Commissioner Krissy Barrett informed the press on Tuesday that surveillance material showing the alleged gunmen's movements in the Philippines had been provided to Australian investigators.

"There is little to no indication to suggest these suspects were affiliated with a broader terrorist cell, or were instructed by others to carry out an attack," the police chief said.

However, the men were also not necessarily in the Philippines on a leisure trip, Commissioner Barrett clarified. She underscored that, given that the investigation is still active, new evidence could emerge.

Ideology and Court Proceedings

Previously, the nation's leader Anthony Albanese commented it appears both accused attackers were "inspired by ISIS" beliefs.

During the attack, Sajid Akram was shot dead by police. He and his son Naveed—reportedly carrying long-barrelled guns—are accused of having shot guests at the Hanukkah celebration.

Naveed Akram, who was injured and taken to hospital after the shooting, has been charged with 59 charges. These include 15 counts of murder and one count of committing a act of terrorism. He is due to appear in court in April.

Travel Details

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

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

Davao is a sprawling city on the east of Mindanao, the Philippines' main southern island. It is noted that, Militant militants have reportedly operate in impoverished parts of central and south-western Mindanao.