At a Glance
- Police with rifles patrol Sydney Cricket Ground for final Ashes test.
- The move follows the Bondi Beach terror attack that killed 15 people.
- An on-field tribute will honor victims and first responders.
- Why it matters: The security boost aims to reassure fans amid heightened safety concerns after the attack.
The final Ashes test in Sydney will be guarded by police armed with long-armed rifles, a rare sight at Australian sporting events, as authorities seek to reassure fans after the Bondi Beach terror attack that claimed 15 lives.
Security Measures at the Sydney Test
Uniformed, mounted, public-order and riot-squad officers will patrol the sold-out Sydney Cricket Ground, with rifles visible to boost confidence.
- Uniformed police
- Mounted police
- Public-order squad
- Riot squad
Mal Lanyon stated:
> “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.”
Mal Lanyon added:
> “The difference will be in the visibility of long-arms and a stronger presence. Police will otherwise be targeting anti-social and unsafe behavior as usual.”
Similar Measures in Melbourne
The Melbourne Cricket Ground also deployed rifle-armed officers from Dec 26 for the fourth Ashes test, patrolling the stadium, nearby park and railway station.
- Rifle-armed officers
- Patrolled stadium
- Nearby park
- Railway station
Tribute to Bondi Victims
Cricket Australia will honor Bondi victims, first responders and community members with a guard of honor and applause on the first day of the match.
- Guard of honor
- Applause
- Recognition of emergency agencies
Todd Greenberg stated:
> “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.”
Bondi Attack Overview
Seven people remain hospitalized after the Dec. 14 attack at Bondi, with six stable and one in critical but stable condition.
- Naveed Akram, 24, facing 59 charges including 15 counts of murder
- Akram was shot by police, spent days in a coma before being charged
- Sajid Akram, 50, was killed by police at the scene
| Condition | Number |
|---|---|
| Hospitalized (overall) | 7 |
| Stable | 6 |
| Critical but stable | 1 |
Key Takeaways
- Police rifles at Sydney test aim to boost fan confidence after Bondi tragedy.
- Melbourne test used similar rifle-armed measures.
- An on-field tribute honors victims and first responders.
With rifles on display and a heartfelt tribute, the Sydney test aims to combine safety and remembrance amid lingering tensions from the Bondi tragedy.
