Sydney Police Arrest Seven Men Amid Fears of Planned Violence Following Bondi Beach Terror Attack

Sydney, Dec 18, 2025 – Armed tactical police in Sydney intercepted two vehicles and detained seven men in the city's southwest on Thursday after receiving intelligence that a "violent act was possibly being planned." Authorities emphasized that, at this stage, there is no identified link to the ongoing investigation into the deadly terrorist attack at Bondi Beach earlier in the week.

New South Wales Police stated that special operations officers acted swiftly on the tip-off, stopping the vehicles in Liverpool. Dramatic footage circulated on social media showed heavily armed officers in camouflage ordering the men to the ground, with hands restrained, as a police vehicle appeared to have rammed one of the suspects' cars. One individual was seen with a head injury.

Australian media reports indicated the men, some traveling from Victoria (Melbourne area), were believed to be en route to Bondi Beach. The seven are currently assisting police with inquiries, and no charges have been announced.

The operation comes as Australia remains on high alert following the December 14 mass shooting at Bondi Beach during a Hanukkah celebration, where father-and-son gunmen Sajid Akram, 50, and Naveed Akram, 24, allegedly opened fire on the crowd, killing 15 people (including a child) and injuring dozens more in an Islamic State-inspired terrorist attack. Sajid was killed by police at the scene, while Naveed, who emerged from a coma, has been charged with 59 offenses, including murder and terrorism.

In response to rising concerns over antisemitism and hate, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced plans for new legislation to lower thresholds for prosecuting hate speech, impose harsher penalties on those promoting violence (including "hate preachers"), and empower authorities to target organizations or individuals spreading division. Additional measures include enhanced visa powers to block or revoke entry for hate promoters and a taskforce to address antisemitism in education.

The Bondi attack, Australia's deadliest terrorist incident, has prompted nationwide mourning, tightened security at Jewish sites, and calls for stronger counter-radicalization efforts. Investigations continue into the Akrams' backgrounds, including a recent trip to the Philippines.