Antisemitism royal commission LIVE: NSW police chiefs to give evidence as details around Bondi Beach shooting examined

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Royal commission resumes after ‘surprise attack’ evidence

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The royal commission into antisemitism resumes at 10am today in Sydney, following a day of evidence from police and intelligence bosses who were quizzed about the lead-up to the horrific terror attack at Chanukah By The Sea, in December, that saw 15 innocents shot dead at Bondi Beach.

Tributes left at Bondi Beach after the terror attack.

If you missed yesterday’s hearing, here’s what emerged:

  • NSW Police conceded they did not conduct a risk assessment for Chanukah by the Sea 2025 at Bondi Beach, where 15 people were allegedly shot dead by ISIS terrorists.
  • Intelligence and law enforcement agencies said they had no information indicating an attack was imminent at Bondi Beach, with counsel assisting describing it as a “surprise attack”.
  • ASIO director-general Mike Burgess said the agency had shifted focus away from terrorism towards espionage and foreign interference, but said all threats continued to be thoroughly investigated.
  • Jewish security group, CSG, asked police to provide “static” officers at the event, warning they held grave fears of a terror attack, but NSW Police declined and instead went with “mobile taskings” to check in periodically.
  • Eleven people were shot within 29 seconds, 10 of those fatally.
  • It took seven minutes and 41 seconds before the police were able to shoot dead Sajid Akram and wound his son, Naveed, who is facing charges of murder and terrorism.
  • The national terror rating was deemed “probable” and ASIO had raised fears of lone or small group actors carrying out attacks on crowded areas.