Second man charged over role in mimicking Bondi attack
A second man has been charged over an incident in which two individuals allegedly mimicked the Bondi Beach terror attack before abusing bystanders on a footbridge overlooking the beach.
Police on Tuesday arrested the 23-year-old at a supermarket in Double Bay. He has been charged with stalking or intimidation with intent to cause fear or physical harm and offensive behaviour in or near a public place.
Menorah on footbridge at Bondi Beach
He was granted conditional bail and is due to appear at Waverley Local Court on May 20.
The charges relate to an incident on January 31, just six weeks after the Bondi attack, when two gunmen opened fire on a Chanukah gathering, killing 15 people and injuring dozens more in what has been described as Australia’s deadliest antisemitic attack.
The accused man’s co-offender, Zayne McMillan, was sentenced earlier this month to 12 months’ jail after pleading guilty to three counts of offensive behaviour and two counts of intimidation.
McMillan, a 23-year-old bricklayer, was heavily intoxicated when he stood on the Bondi Beach footbridge and mimed holding a long-arm firearm. He then launched into a racist outburst, shouting “f*** the Jews” and intimidating a man walking with his young daughters, who were left in tears.
Zayn McMillan arrested for mimicking Bondi Beach terror attack (photo: NSW Police)
During the incident, McMillan also declared, “I’m a Koori. I can do what I like.”
The footbridge where the behaviour took place has taken on heightened significance since the December 14 attack, with memorial items including a menorah placed in the area. Authorities allege the men’s actions deliberately evoked the earlier massacre, amplifying the distress caused to those present.
The Bondi attack was carried out by Naveed Akram and his father Sajid Akram. Sajid Akram was shot dead by police at the scene.
The latest arrest comes amid ongoing concern about antisemitic incidents in Australia and heightened scrutiny ahead of the Royal Commission into Antisemitism and Social Cohesion, which is examining the scale and impact of antisemitism across the country.
Authorities have not alleged any direct link between the accused men and terrorist activity. However, the case has drawn attention to the impact of copycat behaviour in the wake of major attacks, particularly when directed at vulnerable communities.
with Samantha Lock – AAP
