Accused Bondi Beach Shooters Operated Alone and Did Not Training in the Philippines, Investigators Confirm.

The pair of accused gunmen responsible for the fatal attack at a Hanukkah celebration on Bondi Beach, which claimed 15 lives, are believed to have operated independently, as stated by national police.

Police further stated that Sajid Akram, 50, and his son Naveed Akram, 24, flew to the Philippines on 1 November. Their itinerary included arriving in the capital Manila before connecting that same day to Davao City. The pair returned to Sydney on 29 November.

Lack of Proof of Training During Stay

Investigators have stated the duo did not partake in any type of attack-related training or "logistical preparation" during their visit in the Philippines. Early investigations from Philippine officials point to they "mostly stayed in" their accommodation.

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

"Our teams are currently reviewing the material," she said, adding that preliminary assessments show that "these individuals are believed to have been lone actors."

National law enforcement Chief Krissy Barrett informed media on Tuesday that security camera video showing the accused attackers' whereabouts in the Philippines had been handed over to Australian investigators.

"There is little to no indication to support the idea these suspects were part of a wider network, or were instructed by external parties to execute an act of violence," she stated.

Yet, the duo were also not in the Philippines on a leisure trip, she added. She stressed that, since the investigation is still active, new evidence could come to light.

Motivation and Legal Proceedings

Previously, the nation's Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said it seems both alleged gunmen were "inspired by Islamic State" beliefs.

During the incident, Sajid Akram was fatally shot by responding officers. He and his son Naveed—reportedly carrying rifles—allegedly opened fire on attendees at the Jewish festival celebration.

Naveed Akram, who was injured and taken to hospital after the shooting, has been formally accused of 59 offences. These comprise 15 counts of murder and one count of perpetrating a terrorist act. He is expected to appear in court in April.

Travel Details

In the aftermath following the attack, border authorities in the Philippines stated that the father had arrived in the country using an Indian passport, while his son used an Australian passport.

The duo had declared the southern city of Davao as their intended endpoint. Their booked journey back to Australia was for Sydney.

Davao is a expansive city on the east of Mindanao, the Philippines' largest southern island. It is noted that, Islamist groups have been known to be active in poorer parts of central and south-western Mindanao.