Armed police start patrols in Sydney after Bondi Beach attack

Heavily armed police officers have commenced patrols in Sydney as a response to the devastating shooting that occurred at Bondi Beach last year. The Armed Response Command (ARC), comprising specially trained personnel, will be deployed in crowded tourist spots, wielding long-arm rifles—a striking contrast to the usual sight. New South Wales police assert that these officers will be actively patrolling significant events such as sports competitions and places of worship, with the intent to prevent, deter, and swiftly respond to grave threats, including incidents involving armed offenders.

The tragic event in December claimed the lives of fifteen individuals, including a ten-year-old girl, during an attack by two gunmen at a Hanukkah celebration. The incident marked Australia's most severe mass shooting in nearly three decades and sparked significant reforms in gun laws and a crackdown on hate speech. A resident expressed their unease about the presence of armed police, noting the intimidating nature of the weapons.

However, another woman conveyed that the sight of armed police officers instilled a sense of security.

The ARC is designed to maintain a high profile across Sydney, utilizing specialized vehicles and rifles. The purpose of this command is grounded in the principle of preserving life, according to Detective Superintendent Andrew Evans. The December shooting placed immense pressure on Prime Minister Anthony Albanese's administration, prompting demands for immediate action against antisemitism.

Jewish communities have welcomed the new police operation, which is expected to comprise 250 officers, although some have called for safeguards to protect human rights.

Alex Ryvchin, co-CEO of Executive Council of Australian Jewry, acknowledged the presence of armed officers on the streets but emphasized the importance of preventing worse outcomes, such as the loss of life. Amnesty International Australia expressed concerns regarding the "militarization of policing" and called for assurances that the ARC will not be utilized to suppress peaceful protests.

They emphasized the necessity of clear, publicly accessible rules, robust independent oversight, and accountability in any expansion of police powers and capabilities.

The New South Wales administration defended the new measures, acknowledging that the world has fundamentally changed since the tragic event. Police Minister Yasmin Catley expressed the irreversible nature of these changes, stating that Australia will never be the same again. Naveed Akram, one of the alleged gunmen, has been charged with 78 offenses, including 15 counts of murder, 40 counts of attempted murder, and one count of committing a terrorist act.

His father, Sajid Akram, 50, who was also involved in the attack, was killed by police at the scene.