Alleged Bondi Beach Attackers Operated Solo and Did Not Undergo Instruction in the Philippines, Police Confirm.

The two alleged attackers who carried out the deadly shooting at a Hanukkah event on Bondi Beach, that took 15 lives, are believed to have been lone actors, per Australian law enforcement.

Police additionally revealed that the 50-year-old Sajid Akram, and his son Naveed Akram journeyed to the Philippines on 1 November. Their itinerary included landing in the capital Manila before connecting that same day to Davao City. The father and son flew back to Sydney on 29 November.

No Evidence of Training During Stay

Police have stated the duo did not partake in any form of terrorist coaching or "logistical preparation" during their visit in the Philippines. Early investigations from Philippine officials indicate they "rarely left" their accommodation.

The incident—declared Australia's worst mass shooting since 1996—has been officially classified as a act of terrorism.

"We are actively reviewing the material," she stated, noting that initial assessments suggest that "the two men are believed to have operated independently."

Australian Federal Police Commissioner Krissy Barrett told the press on Tuesday that CCTV footage documenting the alleged gunmen's movements in the Philippines had been handed over to domestic investigators.

"There is no evidence to suggest these accused individuals were affiliated with a larger network, or were acting on orders from others to carry out an attack," Commissioner Barrett emphasized.

However, the men were also not necessarily in the Philippines on a leisure trip, she clarified. She underscored that, since the probe is still active, fresh information may surface.

Motivation and Legal Charges

Earlier, the nation's leader Anthony Albanese remarked it seems both accused attackers were "inspired by the so-called Islamic State" beliefs.

During the attack, Sajid Akram was shot dead by police. He and his son Naveed—reportedly carrying firearms—are accused of having targeted participants at the Hanukkah event.

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

Travel Details

In the wake following the attack, border officials in the Philippines stated that the father had entered the country using an foreign passport, while his son used an Australian passport.

The duo had declared 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. It is noted that, Islamist groups have been known to operate in impoverished parts of central and south-western Mindanao.