Alleged Bondi Beach Gunmen Operated Independently and Did Not Preparation in the Philippines, Authorities Say.

The pair of accused gunmen responsible for the deadly shooting at a Jewish gathering on Bondi Beach, resulting in 15 lives, are believed to have been lone actors, per Australian authorities.

Authorities also confirmed that Sajid Akram, 50, and his son Naveed Akram, 24, journeyed to the Philippines on 1 November. Their itinerary involved landing in the main city Manila before traveling onward on the day of arrival to Davao City. The father and son flew back to Sydney on 29 November.

No Evidence of Preparation During Visit

Investigators indicate the individuals did not partake in any form of terrorist training or "logistical preparation" during their stay in the Philippines. Preliminary investigations from local officials suggest they "hardly ventured out of" their accommodation.

The shooting—declared Australia's most severe firearm massacre since 1996—has been formally designated a act of terrorism.

"Our teams are actively examining the material," she said, adding that early evaluations show that "these individuals are believed to have been lone actors."

Australian Federal Police Chief Krissy Barrett told the press on Tuesday that security camera video showing the accused attackers' movements in the Philippines had been provided to domestic investigators.

"There is little to no indication to indicate these suspects were members of a wider network, or were instructed by overseas entities to carry out an incident," she said.

But, the pair were additionally not in the Philippines as tourists, she added. She underscored that, given that the investigation is still active, new evidence might emerge.

Ideology and Legal Proceedings

Previously, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese remarked it appears both accused gunmen were "motivated by the so-called Islamic State" ideology.

During the shooting, Sajid Akram was shot dead by responding officers. He and his son Naveed—equipped with rifles—are accused of having opened fire on attendees at the Hanukkah event.

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

Immigration Information

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

The pair had stated the southern city of Davao as their final destination. Their scheduled journey back to Australia was for Sydney.

Davao is a large metropolis on the east of Mindanao, the Philippines' primary southern island. It is noted that, Islamist groups have reportedly be active in less developed parts of central and south-western Mindanao.