New South Wales’ Armed Response Command began patrols in Sydney
New South Wales’ Armed Response Command began Sydney patrols on Sunday with assault rifles, in an Australian first. The A$94 million unit has 250 officers and was established after two gunmen killed 15 people at a Hanukkah celebration at Bondi Beach last December. Unit commander Detective Superintendent Andrew Evans said it prepares officers to act “when seconds matter.”
More context
A new Australian-first police unit armed with assault rifles began high-visibility patrols in Sydney on Sunday, in response to the Bondi Beach attack last December. Two gunmen opened fire at a Hanukkah celebration on 14 December 2025, killing 15 people, including a 10-year-old girl. Reuters reported that the attack was antisemitic and motivated by Islamic State ideology.
New South Wales police said the Armed Response Command will patrol major events, crowded public spaces, sporting venues and places of worship. The A$94 million unit comprises 250 officers carrying Australian combat assault rifles. Its commander, Detective Superintendent Andrew Evans, said the unit ensures highly trained officers have the right equipment and are ready to act “when seconds matter.” One resident told ABC News the sight of armed police was “unnerving.”
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Reporting
- BBC News — Sydney armed police start street patrols after Bondi Beach attack - BBC News
- The Independent — Sydney deploys armed police with assault rifles in security crackdown after Bondi massacre | The Independent
- The Jerusalem Post — Police with assault rifles begin Sydney patrols in wake of Bondi attack | The Jerusalem Post
- Internazionale (with Reuters) — Police with assault rifles begin Sydney patrols in wake of Bondi attack - Internazionale
- 9now.com.au — Watch 9News Latest Stories - Season 2026 - Elite armed unit hits Sydney's streets
Verifier’s note
9Now, BBC News, and The Independent report that armed police have begun patrolling Sydney after last December’s Bondi Beach attack. The Jerusalem Post and Internazionale also report the event using the same Reuters copy; the reports are consistent with the proposed event and its timing.