A 20-year-old man has been charged by police following the alleged circulation of a violent online flyer calling for a 'bashing day' in the wake of the Bondi Beach massacre.
Alleged Incitement to Violence
The disturbing post, which was shared widely across platforms including Snapchat, Facebook, and TikTok, advertised a planned event titled 'WE RIOT. WOG/MIDDLE EASTERN BASHING DAY.' It was scheduled for Saturday 27th December 2025 at Cronulla Beach in south Sydney. The flyer explicitly urged readers to 'SPREAD THE WORD AUSTRALIA! STAND THE F*** UP.'
While the flyer did not directly name the Bondi attack, authorities understand it to be a direct response to that tragedy. The Bondi Beach massacre saw two men allegedly shoot dead 15 people at a celebration of the Jewish holiday of Hannukah, sending shockwaves across Australia and internationally.
Police Investigation and Arrest
The investigation was led by the specialised Counter Terrorism and Specialist Tactics Command, highlighting the seriousness with which the threat was treated. Their work led to the arrest of the young man, who now faces charges related to the alleged incitement of violence and racial hatred.
This case underscores the rapid and severe response by law enforcement to online content deemed to threaten public safety and social cohesion. Police have reiterated their commitment to pursuing anyone who seeks to exploit a national tragedy to stoke further division and violence.
Broader Implications for Online Speech
The incident raises significant questions about the line between free speech and the incitement of real-world violence on social media. It serves as a stark reminder of how quickly inflammatory rhetoric can spread online following a major traumatic event.
Authorities are urging the public to report any similar material and to refrain from sharing content that promotes hatred or violence, emphasising that such actions have serious legal consequences. The community is encouraged to stand together against attempts to sow discord in the aftermath of the Bondi Beach tragedy.
