Alleged Bondi Gunmen Operated Independently and Received No Preparation in the Southeast Asian Nation, Investigators Say.

The pair of accused gunmen who carried out the lethal attack at a Hanukkah event on Bondi Beach, resulting in 15 lives, are believed to have acted alone, as stated by national police.

Authorities also confirmed that the 50-year-old Sajid Akram, and his 24-year-old son Naveed Akram flew to the Philippines on 1 November. Their itinerary involved arriving in the capital Manila before traveling onward that same day to Davao City. The pair flew back to Sydney on 29 November.

Lack of Proof of Preparation During Visit

Authorities assert the individuals did not undergo any form of terrorist instruction or "planning" during their time in the Philippines. Preliminary investigations from local officials indicate they "rarely left" their hotel.

The shooting—labeled as Australia's most severe mass shooting since 1996—has been formally designated a act of terrorism.

"We are actively analyzing the footage," the commissioner said, noting that preliminary assessments indicate that "the two men are alleged to have operated independently."

Australian Federal Police Commissioner Krissy Barrett told the press on Tuesday that surveillance material tracking the accused attackers' whereabouts in the Philippines had been handed over to Australian authorities.

"There is little to no indication to support the idea these accused individuals were affiliated with a larger network, or were directed by overseas entities to perpetrate an incident," the police chief stated.

However, the duo were likewise not necessarily in the Philippines for tourism, she added. She underscored that, since the investigation is ongoing, new evidence may come to light.

Ideology and Legal Proceedings

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

During the shooting, Sajid Akram was fatally shot by responding officers. He and his son Naveed—reportedly carrying firearms—allegedly opened fire on attendees at the Jewish festival 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 committing a terrorist act. He is expected to face court in April.

Travel Particulars

In the wake following the shooting, immigration authorities in the Philippines stated that the older suspect had entered the country using an foreign passport, while his younger suspect used an domestic passport.

The pair had declared the metropolis of Davao as their final destination. Their pre-arranged return flight to Australia was for Sydney.

Davao is a expansive city on the east of Mindanao, the Philippines' largest southern island. The region is known because, Militant militants have been known to operate in poorer parts of southern and western Mindanao.