Accused Bondi Beach Attackers Acted Independently and Received No Training in the Philippines, Investigators State.

The pair of accused gunmen responsible for the lethal attack at a Hanukkah gathering on Bondi Beach, resulting in 15 lives, are believed to have been lone actors, per Australian law enforcement.

Police 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 arriving in the main city Manila before traveling onward on the day of arrival to Davao City. The duo returned to Sydney on 29 November.

No Evidence of Training During Trip

Investigators have stated the duo did not undergo any form of attack-related training or "logistical preparation" during their visit in the Philippines. Initial findings from Philippine officials suggest they "hardly ventured out of" their accommodation.

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

"We are currently examining the footage," the commissioner stated, explaining that early assessments suggest that "the two men are believed to have been lone actors."

Australian Federal Police Chief Krissy Barrett informed media on Tuesday that CCTV footage documenting the alleged gunmen's movements in the Philippines had been handed over to Australian authorities.

"Our investigation shows no evidence to support the idea these alleged offenders were affiliated with a larger organization, or were acting on orders from external parties to carry out an incident," she emphasized.

But, the pair were additionally not in the Philippines on a leisure trip, Commissioner Barrett clarified. She emphasized that, as the investigation is still active, fresh information might come to light.

Motivation and Court Charges

Earlier, Australian leader Anthony Albanese said it seems both alleged gunmen were "inspired by the so-called Islamic State" extremist views.

During the incident, Sajid Akram was shot dead by police. He and his son Naveed—reportedly carrying long-barrelled guns—are accused of having shot participants at the Jewish festival event.

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

Immigration Details

In the wake following the attack, border authorities in the Philippines reported that the father had arrived in the country using an foreign passport, while his son used an domestic passport.

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

Davao is a sprawling city on the east of Mindanao, the Philippines' main southern island. The region is known because, Militant fighters have been known to be active in impoverished parts of central and south-western Mindanao.