Australian Police Detain 7 on Suspicion of Planning a ‘Violent Act’
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Australian police in Sydney detained seven men suspected of planning a violent act, days after a mass shooting at Bondi Beach left 15 dead.
Australian counterterrorism authorities took seven men into custody in Sydney on Thursday, suspecting them of plotting a "violent act." This occurred days after a mass shooting at a Hanukkah celebration in Bondi Beach, which resulted in 15 fatalities.
New South Wales police stated that, as of now, they have not found any links between the detentions and the Bondi attack. The Bondi Beach attack on Sunday, which officials have classified as a terrorist act, was the worst mass shooting Australia has seen in almost 30 years.
The New South Wales Tactical Operations Unit stopped two vehicles in the Liverpool area of southwest Sydney as part of the operation. According to their statement, the seven individuals apprehended are currently assisting the police with their inquiries.
Local news sources reported that the vehicles, bearing license plates from Victoria (which borders New South Wales), were headed towards Bondi Beach. Police have not verified these details to The New York Times, nor have they disclosed the reasons behind their suspicion of a planned violent act.
Footage from The Sydney Morning Herald and Nine News showed heavily armed officers using zip ties to restrain men near a busy shopping center before taking them into custody.
Currently, the identities of the men and whether they will face charges remain unknown.
As funerals commence for the victims of the Bondi attack, Australian communities are struggling with the aftermath. The response includes both grief and anger, with many believing the attack was preventable and criticizing the government's efforts to combat antisemitism.
Authorities have identified Naveed Akram, 24, and his father, Sajid Akram, 50 (who was killed by police), as the suspects in the Bondi shooting. Their motivation appeared to be antisemitism inspired by the Islamic State.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced new measures on Thursday aimed at combating antisemitism. These measures include legislation designed to "crack down on those who spread hate, division and radicalization."
