A young man accused of mimicking a shooting from the Bondi Beach footbridge, just weeks after the deadly terrorist attack that occurred at the same location, has been refused bail by a local court. The case has reignited discussions about the bridge's future and community safety in the wake of tragedy.
Alleged Offensive Behaviour on Infamous Bridge
Police allege that Zayne McMillan, 22, was observed near the Campbell Parade bridge at approximately 7pm on Saturday, January 31, pretending to shoot people in a manner that mimicked the December 14 terrorist attack. That earlier attack, which claimed 15 lives, allegedly involved perpetrators Sajid Akram, 50, and his son Naveed, 24, using the same pedestrian bridge.
When confronted by bystanders about his actions, McMillan is alleged to have responded with verbal abuse, causing those present to feel intimidated and fearful for their safety. This incident prompted complaints to officers from the Eastern Suburbs Police Area Command and Operation Shelter regarding two men on the bridge.
Multiple Charges Laid
McMillan faces serious charges including two counts of stalking or intimidating with intent to cause fear of physical harm, along with three counts of behaving in an offensive manner in or near a public place or school. Police reported that while they spoke with a second man at the scene, McMillan had already departed before their arrival.
Court Proceedings and Bail Decision
During Thursday's court appearance, McMillan's lawyer indicated that his client required further legal advice before entering pleas to the charges. The court heard that the 22-year-old Aboriginal man is currently on parole for other unspecified matters.
In advocating for bail, McMillan's legal representative highlighted several mitigating factors: his role as primary carer for his mother who suffers from a psychotic condition, his qualifications as a bricklayer, and his established ties to the local community.
Magistrate's Ruling on Vulnerability
Despite these submissions, Magistrate Karen Stafford refused bail, noting McMillan's current parole status for what she described as 'some serious offences of violence'. However, she acknowledged that his combination of youth and Aboriginality rendered him a vulnerable inmate within the correctional system.
McMillan is scheduled to reappear at Waverley Local Court later this month as legal proceedings continue.
Broader Context: The Bridge's Contested Future
This incident occurs against the backdrop of ongoing community debate about the future of the Bondi footbridge itself. The structure has become inextricably linked with the December terrorist attack in public consciousness, prompting serious discussions about whether it should be demolished.
New South Wales Premier Chris Minns has publicly advocated for the bridge's removal, arguing it should not remain as what he termed a 'ghoulish reminder' of the atrocities committed there. Waverley Mayor Will Nemesh has confirmed that multiple ideas have been proposed for commemorating the tragedy, with a final decision about the bridge's fate pending consultation between the NSW government, Jewish community representatives, Waverley residents, and families of both victims and survivors.
The bridge's symbolic significance continues to evolve, with this latest alleged incident adding another layer to complex conversations about memory, security, and appropriate responses to traumatic community events.
