Armed police begin Sydney patrols after Bondi Beach shooting

Armed police carrying rifles have begun patrols in busy tourist areas of Sydney, as New South Wales introduces heightened security measures following the deadly Bondi Beach shooting last December.

The Armed Response Command will also patrol major events, including sports matches, and places of worship. New South Wales Police say the specially trained officers are intended to deter serious threats and respond rapidly to incidents involving armed attackers.

Fifteen people, including a 10-year-old girl, were killed when two gunmen opened fire at a Hanukkah event on Bondi Beach on 14 December. The attack prompted sweeping gun-law reforms and a crackdown on hate speech. One alleged gunman, Naveed Akram, has been charged with 78 offences, including 15 counts of murder; his father, Sajid Akram, was killed by police at the scene.

The police operation is expected eventually to comprise 250 officers. Jewish community representatives have welcomed the patrols, while Amnesty International Australia has raised concerns about the militarisation of policing and called for safeguards to protect peaceful protest.

A resident told ABC News the armed officers were “unnerving”; another said their presence made her feel safe. New South Wales Police Minister Yasmin Catley defended the measures, saying the country had changed after the attack.