Alleged Bondi Gunmen Acted Alone and Did Not Undergo Training in the Philippines, Authorities Say.

The pair of accused gunmen who carried out the fatal attack at a Jewish celebration on Bondi Beach, which claimed 15 lives, reportedly operated independently, according to Australian authorities.

Authorities additionally revealed that the 50-year-old Sajid Akram, and his 24-year-old son Naveed Akram, 24, journeyed to the Philippines on 1 November. Their itinerary included landing in the capital Manila before transiting on the day of arrival to Davao City. The father and son flew back to Sydney on 29 November.

No Evidence of Planning During Visit

Police assert the pair did not partake in any form of terrorist training or "logistical preparation" during their visit in the Philippines. Early inquiries from local officials indicate they "mostly stayed in" their hotel.

The incident—declared Australia's most severe mass shooting since 1996—has been officially declared a act of terrorism.

"Our teams are actively analyzing the evidence," the commissioner stated, explaining that preliminary assessments show that "these individuals are suspected to have acted alone."

Australian Federal Police Commissioner Krissy Barrett briefed media on Tuesday that security camera video tracking the alleged gunmen's movements in the Philippines had been submitted to domestic authorities.

"There is no evidence to indicate these alleged offenders were affiliated with a larger organization, or were directed by others to execute an act of violence," she emphasized.

Yet, the men were also not in the Philippines for tourism, the official added. She underscored that, given that the probe is ongoing, additional details may come to light.

Inspiration and Court Proceedings

Previously, Australian leader Anthony Albanese commented it seems both accused gunmen were "motivated by the so-called Islamic State" ideology.

During the attack, Sajid Akram was shot dead by police. He and his son Naveed—equipped with long-barrelled guns—allegedly shot guests at the Jewish festival event.

Naveed Akram, who was injured and taken to hospital after the shooting, has been charged with 59 charges. These comprise 15 charges of murder and one count of perpetrating a terrorist act. He is due to appear in court in April.

Travel Details

In the days following the shooting, border officials in the Philippines indicated that the father had arrived in the country using an Indian passport, while his younger suspect used an Australian passport.

The duo had listed the metropolis of Davao as their final destination. Their booked return flight to Australia was for Sydney.

Davao is a expansive metropolis on the east of Mindanao, the Philippines' primary southern island. It is noted that, Islamist fighters have reportedly operate in impoverished parts of southern and western Mindanao.