Sydney Ashes Series on HIGH ALERT: Riot Squad Officers to Patrol Stadium with Long-Arm Firearms Amid Fears of Another Terror Attack
- Riot squad officers will carry long-arm firearms at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) for the Ashes series
- The move comes after the devastating Bondi Beach attack that left 15 people dead and sparked a massive overhaul of public event security
- NSW Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon vows to make patrons feel safe, but warns some may be shocked by the visible presence of armed officers
- The operation is not in response to a specific threat, but rather a precautionary measure to ensure public safety
The Sydney Ashes series is set to kick off on Sunday, but the excitement of the game will be overshadowed by a visible and heavily armed police presence. In a bid to boost security and prevent another terror attack, riot squad officers will patrol the stadium with long-arm firearms.
The move comes after the devastating Bondi Beach attack on December 14, which resulted in the death of 15 people and sparked a massive overhaul of public event security. Since then, NSW Police personnel have been carrying long-arm firearms at a number of events in Sydney, including a vigil at Bondi Beach.
NSW Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon said the additional measures are aimed at helping patrons feel safe at public events. “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,” he said.
Commissioner Lanyon acknowledged that some patrons may be shocked by the visible presence of armed officers, but assured that the operation is not in response to a specific threat. “The difference will be in the visibility of long-arms and a stronger presence. Police will otherwise be targeting antisocial and unsafe behaviour as usual,” he said.
NSW Police Assistant Commissioner Leane McCusker echoed Commissioner Lanyon’s sentiments, saying that the operation is a precautionary measure to ensure public safety. “I want to emphasise that there is not any active or imminent threat,” she said. “All [Public Order and Riot Squad] officers are rifle trained and have been for some time; this does not reflect any recent change in capability or weaponry.”
A capacity crowd is expected to attend the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) on Sunday, with uniformed and mounted police conducting high-visibility patrols. The event is set to be a tense and emotional affair, with many still reeling from the Bondi Beach attack.