A significant police operation, including riot squads and mounted officers, was deployed to Sydney's Cronulla Beach on Saturday following online threats of a racially motivated 'bashing day'. The heavy presence aimed to deter any potential violence linked to a flyer circulating on social media.
Police Mount Major Operation to Prevent Violence
The flyer, which called for a 'WOG/Middle Eastern Bashing Day' on Saturday 27th December 2025, sparked serious concerns within the New South Wales Police Force. Authorities understood the threatened action to be a purported response to the recent Bondi Beach mass shooting, where two men allegedly opened fire during Hanukkah celebrations, killing 15 people.
On the day, scores of officers patrolled the Cronulla promenade. The Public Order and Riot Squad was on high alert, alongside mounted police and the marine area command monitoring from the water. Local beachgoer Vanessa Crown noted the police numbers began building significantly from around 11:30 am.
Community Condemns Hate, Alleged Organiser in Custody
The planned event was met with widespread condemnation from the Australian public. Many voiced concerns it could ignite violence reminiscent of the 2005 Cronulla riots, where 5,000 people attacked individuals from minority backgrounds.
Local resident Calum Rhys expressed the community's sentiment, stating, "I too am hurting... but more violence is not the answer, especially unnecessary bashing of completely innocent people based on some white supremacist bullshit." He and others emphasised that the community would not condone a repeat of the events from 18 years ago.
Ryder Shaw, a 20-year-old barber from the Central Coast accused of organising the event, has been charged and refused bail. He faced court on Monday, charged with using a carriage service to menace, harass, offend, and publicly threaten violence on the grounds of race or religion.
Court and Police Issue Stern Warnings
In court, Magistrate Margaret Quinn labelled the allegations as "very serious" and noted they could carry jail time. She highlighted the repulsive nature of inciting violence based on race or religion, especially in the current climate. Magistrate Quinn also pointed out that a Muslim man was among those who helped save people during the Bondi attack.
NSW Acting Assistant Commissioner Brendan Gorman reinforced the police stance, declaring, "Now is not the time for any behaviour that will cause division. Action will be taken against anyone who engages in criminal activity that is motivated by hate." The police had earlier urged anyone considering attending the so-called 'bashing day' to stay home, promising a zero-tolerance approach.
Restrictions on unauthorised public gatherings, implemented after the Bondi attack, are set to remain in force until 7th January as a further precaution.
