Sydney police deploy armed unit after Bondi attack
New police unit with assault rifles begins patrols in response to December attack.
The Brief
- Armed Response Command deploys at public events and crowded spaces.
- Unit includes 250 officers equipped with combat assault rifles.
- Measure is first of its kind in Australia.
A new police unit equipped with military assault rifles has started patrols in Sydney, following the December Bondi Beach attack. The deployment is part of an Australian-first initiative by New South Wales state police.
The Armed Response Command will conduct high-visibility patrols at major events, public spaces, sporting venues, and places of worship. The unit, costing A$94 million, consists of 250 officers armed with Australian combat assault rifles.
The decision follows a deadly antisemitic attack at Bondi Beach, where two men killed 15 people during a Jewish celebration. The incident was motivated by Islamic State ideology, according to authorities.
Detective Superintendent Andrew Evans, the unit's commander, stated the move ensures highly trained officers are in the right places with the right equipment to respond quickly to threats.
Amnesty International Australia expressed concerns about the militarisation of policing, raising questions about human rights protections and safeguards in place.
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