Suspected Bondi Beach Shooters Acted Alone and Did Not Preparation in the Philippines, Authorities Confirm.

The two suspected attackers responsible for the lethal attack at a Hanukkah gathering on Bondi Beach, that took 15 lives, reportedly operated independently, as stated by Australian police.

Investigators also confirmed that Sajid Akram, 50, and his 24-year-old son Naveed Akram travelled to the Philippines on 1 November. Their travel plans included landing in the main city Manila before connecting that same day to Davao City. The pair flew back to Sydney on 29 November.

No Evidence of Preparation During Visit

Investigators assert the pair did not receive any type of terrorist training or "planning" during their stay in the Philippines. Early inquiries from local officials point to they "mostly stayed in" their hotel.

The attack—labeled as Australia's worst mass shooting since 1996—has been officially classified as a terrorist incident.

"Our teams are currently examining the footage," the commissioner stated, explaining that initial reviews show that "the two men are believed to have been lone actors."

National law enforcement Chief Krissy Barrett informed the press on Tuesday that surveillance material documenting the alleged gunmen's whereabouts in the Philippines had been provided to Australian authorities.

"Our investigation shows little to no indication to support the idea these accused individuals were members of a broader terrorist cell, or were instructed by external parties to perpetrate an incident," Commissioner Barrett emphasized.

Yet, the pair were likewise not in the Philippines as tourists, Commissioner Barrett added. She stressed that, as the inquiry is still active, fresh information might come to light.

Inspiration and Court Charges

In prior statements, the nation's Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said it looks as though both accused gunmen were "inspired by Islamic State" beliefs.

During the shooting, Sajid Akram was killed by responding officers. He and his son Naveed—both armed with rifles—allegedly shot guests at the Hanukkah event.

Naveed Akram, who was wounded after the shooting, has been formally accused of 59 crimes. These comprise 15 charges of murder and one count of perpetrating a act of terrorism. He is expected to face court in April.

Travel Information

In the aftermath following the shooting, immigration officials in the Philippines reported that the older suspect had arrived in the country using an foreign passport, while his son used an domestic passport.

The pair had declared the metropolis of Davao as their intended endpoint. Their scheduled return flight to Australia was for Sydney.

Davao is a expansive urban center on the east of Mindanao, the Philippines' primary southern island. It is noted that, Islamist groups have been known to be active in less developed parts of southern and western Mindanao.