Bondi Beach Shooting Suspects Acted Alone as Australia Tightens Gun Laws

15 lives were lost, but no hidden network was found. Australian police confirmed on Tuesday that the father and son accused of the Bondi Beach mass shooting acted alone, rather than as part of a larger terrorist cell.

Bondi Beach Shooting Suspects Investigation Updates

According to the AFP, Commissioner Krissy Barrett stated that there's no evidence suggesting Sajid Akram and his son Naveed were directed by others. The December 14 attack, which targeted a Jewish festival, appears to have been an ISIS-inspired act meticulously planned by the duo over several months.

Investigators scrutinized the pair's recent trip to Davao in the Philippines. While the region has a history of insurgencies, CCTV footage showed the suspects rarely left their hotel. Barrett clarified that while it wasn't a tourism trip, no concrete links to local extremist groups have surfaced yet. The police previously released footage of the suspects training with shotguns in the Australian countryside, indicating a self-contained operation.

Australia's Toughest Gun Laws Since 1996

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese hasn't wasted any time. He announced a nationwide crackdown on gun ownership and a sweeping buyback scheme. This is the most significant legislative move since the 1996 Port Arthur shooting, where 35 people were killed. "We're getting guns off our streets," Albanese promised, alongside a full review of intelligence services.

As Sydney prepares for New Year's Eve, the mood is somber. A minute of silence will be observed at 11 p.m. on Wednesday. New South Wales Premier Chris Minns emphasized that safety remains the top priority, with high-powered police squads stationed throughout the city to reassure the public.