In a significant response to the recent Bondi Beach terror attack, police in Australia are ramping up security for the final Ashes cricket test taking place at the Sydney Cricket Ground starting Sunday. The event, which is sold out, will see officers equipped with long-armed rifles, a measure that is unusual for Australian sporting events. This heightened security comes three weeks after a tragic incident on December 14, when two gunmen opened fire during a Hanukkah celebration at Bondi, killing 15 individuals and injuring many more.
New South Wales Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon reassured the public that there is currently no ongoing threat, emphasizing that the increased visibility of armed police is a precautionary measure to help spectators feel secure. "Many people may not be used to seeing police carrying rifles at sporting events, but our objective here is to help the public feel safe, and police will be out in force," he stated. Alongside armed officers, uniformed and mounted police, as well as members of the public order and riot squad, will monitor the match, targeting any anti-social or unsafe behavior as per normal operations.
The enhanced security measures mirror those implemented during the fourth Ashes test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, which commenced on December 26. During that event, specialist officers were similarly armed with semiautomatic rifles and patrolled busy areas including the stadium, a nearby park, and a railway station.
Cricket Australia announced plans for an on-field tribute to honor the victims of the Bondi shootings, first responders, and community members on the first day of the match. This memorial will include a guard of honor and a round of applause to acknowledge the bravery and efforts of emergency services and community support during the crisis. Cricket Australia CEO Todd Greenberg remarked, “The incredible acts of bravery at the scene of the Bondi attack were a reminder of the spirit of community and self-sacrifice that unites us as a nation.”
As a result of the attack, seven people remain hospitalized: six in stable condition, while one individual is in a critical but stable condition. Naveed Akram, aged 24 and one of the two accused gunmen, faces a staggering 59 charges related to the incident, including 15 counts of murder. Akram was shot by police during the event and spent several days in a coma before being formally charged. Tragically, his father, Sajid Akram, aged 50, was killed by police at the scene.
The security enhancements, including armed patrols at the Ashes test match, underscore the ongoing impact of the Bondi terror attack on public responses and safety measures in Australia. With heightened awareness and increased police presence, authorities aim to ensure that attendees feel secure while enjoying the historic sporting event.
