NSW Government Considers Arming Jewish Community Security Group After Bondi Attack
NSW Premier Chris Minns has stated that his government is actively considering arming the Community Security Group (CSG) following the deadly Bondi attack. The CSG, which monitors threats to the Jewish community and provides security for Jewish events, is at the center of discussions on enhanced security measures.
The Bondi incident resulted in 15 deaths and 40 injuries. The perpetrators, Sajid and Naveed Akram, have been linked to Islamic State. Sajid was killed by police during the incident, while Naveed has been remanded on 59 charges, including one terror-related act.
In response to the attack, police will carry long-arm rifles at Sydney’s major New Year’s Eve event for the first time, and during a vigil held a week after the attack coinciding with Hanukkah, officers were seen carrying long-arm weapons, with snipers positioned on rooftops in Bondi.
Premier Minns emphasized the need for a royal commission to guide changes in security protocols and policies and did not rule out the possibility of arming the CSG. He also indicated that deploying army troops to protect Jewish sites remains a consideration, although there are currently no discussions with the federal government regarding such troop deployment.
