Accused Bondi Attackers Acted Solo and Did Not Instruction in the Philippines, Authorities Confirm.

The pair of accused attackers responsible for the deadly shooting at a Hanukkah celebration on Bondi Beach, that took 15 lives, reportedly been lone actors, according to Australian law enforcement.

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

Lack of Proof of Planning During Trip

Police indicate the pair did not partake in any type of attack-related coaching or "logistical preparation" during their visit in the Philippines. Early findings from Philippine officials point to they "rarely left" their accommodation.

The shooting—labeled as Australia's deadliest firearm massacre since 1996—has been officially designated a terrorist incident.

"Our teams are actively reviewing the evidence," the commissioner stated, explaining that initial assessments show that "these individuals are suspected to have operated independently."

Australian Federal Police Commissioner Krissy Barrett told media on Tuesday that CCTV footage showing the accused attackers' movements in the Philippines had been submitted to Australian authorities.

"There is little to no indication to suggest these alleged offenders were members of a broader organization, or were acting on orders from external parties to execute an attack," she stated.

However, the men were also not in the Philippines for tourism, she clarified. She stressed that, as the probe is still active, fresh information might come to light.

Ideology and Legal Charges

In prior statements, the nation's Prime Minister Anthony Albanese remarked it looks as though both alleged gunmen were "inspired by the so-called Islamic State" extremist views.

During the incident, Sajid Akram was shot dead by responding officers. He and his son Naveed—equipped with rifles—are accused of having targeted guests at the Jewish festival celebration.

Naveed Akram, who was hospitalised after the shooting, has been charged with 59 offences. These comprise 15 charges 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 arrived in the country using an Indian passport, while his son used an Australian passport.

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

Davao is a large city on the eastern side of Mindanao, the Philippines' main southern island. Historically, Islamist militants have reportedly be active in less developed parts of southern and western Mindanao.