Waverley Council has issued a public denial following false and inflammatory claims that it issued parking fines in the immediate aftermath of the horrific Bondi Beach terror attack. The misleading assertion, which spread rapidly on social media, provoked widespread outrage within a community already reeling from Sunday night's tragedy.
Misleading Social Media Post Sparks Confusion
The controversy began when a photograph circulated online, showing a vehicle parked near the growing memorial site with a parking fine visible on its windscreen. The image, shared on Monday, prompted anger and confusion among the public. Waverley Council moved swiftly to clarify the situation, explaining that the penalty notice was issued before the shootings allegedly carried out by the suspected father-and-son duo, Sajid Akram, 50, and Naveed Akram, 24.
The council stated that the vehicle has remained in place since New South Wales Police took control of the area, with owners not yet permitted to retrieve their cars while the site remains an active crime scene under investigation. A council spokesperson emphatically denied the claims, stating: 'These claims are totally false. No parking fines have been issued since the horrific terrorist attack on Sunday night.'
Council Support and Emergency Measures
In the wake of the attack, which has been declared a terrorism incident, Waverley Council confirmed that no parking officers have been on patrol in the area since the December 14 tragedy. Despite working around the clock to support the community, the authority felt compelled to respond to the damaging falsehood.
The council has also convened an emergency meeting to enact a plan for immediate support of the Jewish community, which was specifically targeted in the attack. Among the urgent measures to be presented is a grant of $100,000 for Jewish organisations working with survivors of the shooting.
Mayor Will Nemesh paid tribute to the victims, calling the attack a 'despicable and cowardly display of terror targeted at our Jewish community.' He added: 'Everything possible must be done to protect and support our Jewish community as we try to make sense of this incomprehensible tragedy.'
Details of the Bondi Beach Attack
The suspected terror attack unfolded on Sunday night when the alleged gunmen from Bonnyrigg in western Sydney arrived at Bondi. It is alleged they stood on a pedestrian footbridge and opened fire with military-grade weapons into crowds attending 'Chanukah By the Sea', a Jewish event marking the first day of Hanukkah.
The attack resulted in at least 15 fatalities and dozens more injured. Among those who tragically lost their lives was 10-year-old Matilda, who was attending the event with her family. Two NSW Police officers were among the injured: Constable Scott Dyson and probationary constable Jack Hibbert.
Key facts about the investigation include:
- Sajid Akram, a licensed gun owner for 10 years, was shot dead at the scene. He legally owned six firearms allegedly used in the attack.
- His son, Naveed Akram, 24, remains in hospital. He was previously probed by ASIO in 2019 over links to Islamic State sympathisers but was not on any active watch list.
- National Cabinet has vowed to tighten Australia's gun laws following the incident, the nation's worst mass shooting since Port Arthur.
The council's denial underscores the sensitive and chaotic aftermath of the attack, as authorities continue to investigate the crime scene and support the grieving community.
