Accused Bondi Attackers Operated Independently and Did Not Undergo Instruction in the Southeast Asian Nation, Police Say.

The pair of accused attackers who carried out the lethal shooting at a Hanukkah celebration on Bondi Beach, resulting in 15 lives, are believed to have acted alone, as stated by Australian police.

Police further stated that the 50-year-old Sajid Akram, and his son Naveed Akram, 24, journeyed to the Philippines on 1 November. Their itinerary involved landing in the main city Manila before connecting on the day of arrival to Davao City. The father and son returned to Sydney on 29 November.

Lack of Proof of Preparation During Stay

Authorities assert the pair did not partake in any type of terrorist training or "organizing" during their visit in the Philippines. Early inquiries from local authorities indicate they "hardly ventured out of" their hotel.

The shooting—declared Australia's worst firearm massacre since 1996—has been officially designated a act of terrorism.

"We are currently analyzing the evidence," she said, explaining that preliminary assessments indicate that "the two men are believed to have been lone actors."

National law enforcement Chief Krissy Barrett told the press on Tuesday that surveillance material showing the accused attackers' movements in the Philippines had been submitted to Australian investigators.

"There is little to no indication to support the idea these alleged offenders were affiliated with a wider terrorist cell, or were instructed by overseas entities to carry out an attack," the police chief stated.

But, the men were likewise not necessarily in the Philippines for tourism, the official added. She stressed that, given that the inquiry is ongoing, new evidence could surface.

Motivation and Legal Charges

In prior statements, Australian leader Anthony Albanese remarked it appears both accused attackers were "inspired by ISIS" beliefs.

During the attack, Sajid Akram was fatally shot by police. He and his son Naveed—equipped with long-barrelled guns—allegedly targeted guests at the Jewish festival event.

Naveed Akram, who was wounded after the attack, has been charged with 59 offences. These include 15 charges of murder and one count of perpetrating a terrorist act. He is scheduled to face court in April.

Travel Details

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

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

Davao is a sprawling metropolis on the eastern side of Mindanao, the Philippines' main island in the south. Historically, Militant militants have reportedly operate in impoverished parts of central and south-western Mindanao.