Suspected Bondi Beach Attackers Acted Alone and Did Not Preparation in the Philippines, Investigators Say.

The two suspected gunmen who carried out the lethal shooting at a Hanukkah gathering on Bondi Beach, which claimed 15 lives, reportedly operated independently, per Australian authorities.

Police further stated that the 50-year-old Sajid Akram, and his 24-year-old son Naveed Akram 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 pair flew back to Sydney on 29 November.

Lack of Proof of Planning During Trip

Investigators assert the pair did not partake in any form of terrorist training or "organizing" during their stay in the Philippines. Initial inquiries from local authorities point to they "rarely left" their accommodation.

The incident—described as Australia's deadliest firearm massacre since 1996—has been formally classified as a terrorist incident.

"We are actively analyzing the evidence," the commissioner said, noting that initial evaluations suggest that "these individuals are suspected to have acted alone."

Australian Federal Police Chief Krissy Barrett briefed media on Tuesday that CCTV footage tracking the alleged gunmen's whereabouts in the Philippines had been handed over to Australian investigators.

"There is little to no indication to support the idea these suspects were members of a larger organization, or were acting on orders from overseas entities to execute an attack," Commissioner Barrett emphasized.

But, the duo were additionally not in the Philippines on a leisure trip, the official clarified. She emphasized that, since the inquiry is still active, additional details may come to light.

Inspiration and Legal Charges

Earlier, the nation's leader Anthony Albanese said it looks as though both accused attackers were "motivated by Islamic State" extremist views.

During the shooting, Sajid Akram was killed by police. He and his son Naveed—equipped with firearms—allegedly shot guests at the Jewish festival event.

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

Immigration Information

In the wake following the shooting, immigration officials in the Philippines reported that the father had arrived in the country using an Indian passport, while his younger suspect used an Australian passport.

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

Davao is a expansive urban center on the east of Mindanao, the Philippines' main island in the south. Historically, Islamist militants have reportedly be active in impoverished parts of central and south-western Mindanao.