Accused Bondi Gunmen Operated Solo and Received No Preparation in the Southeast Asian Nation, Police State.

The pair of accused gunmen responsible for the fatal attack at a Hanukkah event on Bondi Beach, that took 15 lives, reportedly operated independently, per national law enforcement.

Authorities further stated 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 involved landing in the capital Manila before transiting that same day to Davao City. The pair returned to Sydney on 29 November.

Lack of Proof of Preparation During Visit

Police assert the duo did not partake in any type of terrorist training or "logistical preparation" during their visit in the Philippines. Preliminary findings from local officials indicate they "hardly ventured out of" their hotel.

The shooting—declared Australia's worst mass shooting since 1996—has been formally declared a terrorist incident.

"We are actively analyzing the evidence," the commissioner said, noting that preliminary reviews show that "the alleged offenders are suspected to have operated independently."

Australian Federal Police Commissioner Krissy Barrett briefed reporters on Tuesday that security camera video tracking the accused attackers' movements in the Philippines had been provided to domestic investigators.

"Our investigation shows little to no indication to suggest these alleged offenders were members of a wider network, or were instructed by overseas entities to carry out an attack," the police chief stated.

However, the men were additionally not in the Philippines as tourists, the official added. She emphasized that, as the investigation is ongoing, fresh information might emerge.

Inspiration and Court Charges

In prior statements, Australian leader Anthony Albanese commented it seems both alleged gunmen were "motivated by the so-called Islamic State" beliefs.

During the shooting, Sajid Akram was killed by responding officers. He and his son Naveed—both armed with long-barrelled guns—are accused of having shot attendees at the Jewish festival celebration.

Naveed Akram, who was wounded after the attack, has been formally accused of 59 crimes. These comprise 15 counts of murder and one count of committing a act of terrorism. He is scheduled to face court in April.

Immigration Information

In the aftermath following the attack, border officials in the Philippines stated that the older suspect had entered the country using an Indian passport, while his younger suspect used an Australian passport.

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

Davao is a sprawling metropolis on the east of Mindanao, the Philippines' main island in the south. Historically, Militant fighters have reportedly operate in poorer parts of central and south-western Mindanao.