Alleged Bondi Attackers Operated Independently and Did Not Undergo Preparation in the Philippines, Authorities Say.

The two suspected attackers responsible for the deadly attack at a Hanukkah celebration on Bondi Beach, that took 15 lives, appear to have operated independently, as stated by national police.

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

No Evidence of Training During Stay

Police assert the individuals did not receive any type of terrorist instruction or "logistical preparation" during their visit in the Philippines. Early findings from local authorities suggest they "rarely left" their hotel.

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

"Our teams are currently examining the material," the commissioner said, adding that early assessments suggest that "the two men are alleged to have been lone actors."

National law enforcement Chief Krissy Barrett informed reporters on Tuesday that security camera video showing the accused attackers' movements in the Philippines had been handed over to Australian authorities.

"There is no evidence to indicate these alleged offenders were members of a wider network, or were instructed by overseas entities to carry out an incident," the police chief said.

However, the men were additionally not necessarily in the Philippines on a leisure trip, she noted. She emphasized that, since the inquiry is continuing, new evidence might emerge.

Motivation and Court Proceedings

Previously, the nation's leader Anthony Albanese commented it appears both alleged attackers were "influenced by the so-called Islamic State" extremist views.

During the shooting, Sajid Akram was shot dead by police. He and his son Naveed—reportedly carrying firearms—allegedly opened fire on participants at the Jewish festival event.

Naveed Akram, who was injured and taken to hospital after the shooting, has been formally accused of 59 offences. These include 15 counts of murder and one count of perpetrating a terrorist act. He is scheduled to appear in court in April.

Travel Details

In the wake following the shooting, border authorities in the Philippines reported that the older suspect had entered the country using an Indian passport, while his younger suspect used an Australian passport.

The two had stated the southern city of Davao as their intended endpoint. Their booked 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. It is noted that, Islamist militants have reportedly be active in less developed parts of central and south-western Mindanao.