Accused Bondi Gunmen Acted Alone and Received No Training in the Philippines, Police Say.

The two suspected individuals who carried out the fatal shooting at a Jewish event on Bondi Beach, resulting in 15 lives, reportedly acted alone, per Australian authorities.

Police also confirmed that Sajid Akram, 50, and his 24-year-old son Naveed Akram, 24, flew to the Philippines on 1 November. Their itinerary included arriving in the capital Manila before traveling onward that same day to Davao City. The father and son flew back to Sydney on 29 November.

No Evidence of Preparation During Visit

Authorities assert the duo did not partake in any type of terrorist coaching or "organizing" during their stay in the Philippines. Early findings from local officials indicate they "mostly stayed in" their accommodation.

The shooting—labeled as Australia's most severe mass shooting since 1996—has been officially designated a act of terrorism.

"We are actively reviewing the footage," she stated, explaining that early reviews indicate that "these individuals are believed to have operated independently."

National law enforcement Commissioner Krissy Barrett informed the press on Tuesday that surveillance material showing the accused attackers' activities in the Philippines had been handed over to Australian investigators.

"There is little to no indication to suggest these suspects were members of a larger network, or were instructed by overseas entities to carry out an act of violence," Commissioner Barrett emphasized.

However, the men were additionally not necessarily in the Philippines as tourists, the official clarified. She emphasized that, as the investigation is ongoing, additional details could emerge.

Inspiration and Court Proceedings

In prior statements, the nation's Prime Minister Anthony Albanese commented it appears both accused gunmen were "influenced by the so-called Islamic State" beliefs.

During the attack, Sajid Akram was shot dead by police. He and his son Naveed—equipped with rifles—allegedly opened fire on attendees at the Jewish festival event.

Naveed Akram, who was wounded after the attack, has been charged with 59 crimes. These encompass 15 charges of murder and one count of carrying out a terrorist act. He is scheduled to appear in court in April.

Travel Information

In the wake following the shooting, immigration authorities in the Philippines indicated that the father had entered the country using an foreign passport, while his younger suspect used an Australian passport.

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

Davao is a sprawling metropolis on the eastern side of Mindanao, the Philippines' main southern island. The region is known because, Islamist groups have reportedly be active in impoverished parts of central and south-western Mindanao.