Alleged Bondi Beach Shooters Acted Independently and Received No Training in the Philippines, Authorities State.

The pair of accused gunmen who carried out the deadly shooting at a Jewish celebration on Bondi Beach, resulting in 15 lives, appear to have been lone actors, according to national law enforcement.

Authorities further stated that the 50-year-old Sajid Akram, and his 24-year-old son Naveed Akram, 24, flew to the Philippines on 1 November. Their itinerary included landing in the main city Manila before traveling onward on the day of arrival to Davao City. The pair flew back to Sydney on 29 November.

Lack of Proof of Planning During Stay

Investigators indicate the pair did not partake in any type of attack-related coaching or "organizing" during their visit in the Philippines. Early inquiries from Philippine officials point to they "rarely left" their hotel.

The incident—declared Australia's deadliest firearm massacre since 1996—has been formally classified as a act of terrorism.

"We are currently reviewing the material," the commissioner stated, adding that initial evaluations indicate that "the alleged offenders are suspected to have operated independently."

Australian Federal Police Chief Krissy Barrett informed media on Tuesday that surveillance material showing the alleged gunmen's whereabouts in the Philippines had been provided to Australian authorities.

"Our investigation shows little to no indication to indicate these alleged offenders were affiliated with a wider network, or were directed by overseas entities to carry out an incident," Commissioner Barrett emphasized.

Yet, the men were additionally not necessarily in the Philippines on a leisure trip, the official added. She underscored that, since the probe is ongoing, new evidence may come to light.

Inspiration and Court Proceedings

Previously, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese remarked it seems both accused gunmen were "influenced by Islamic State" beliefs.

During the shooting, Sajid Akram was killed by police. He and his son Naveed—both armed with long-barrelled guns—allegedly opened fire on participants at the Jewish festival event.

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

Travel Details

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

The pair had stated the southern city of Davao as their intended endpoint. Their pre-arranged return flight to Australia was for Sydney.

Davao is a sprawling urban center on the east of Mindanao, the Philippines' primary island in the south. Historically, Islamist groups have reportedly be active in less developed parts of southern and western Mindanao.