Armed Police to Patrol Adelaide Oval Following Deadly Attack
Police armed with rifles will patrol Adelaide Oval during the third Ashes Test between Australia and England, officials announced Monday, following Sunday’s deadly terror attack at Sydney’s Bondi Beach that claimed 15 lives. The enhanced security measures come as flags will fly at half-mast to honor victims of the shooting that targeted a Jewish Hanukkah celebration.
South Australia Premier Peter Malinauskas confirmed that authorities will implement additional security protocols for the crucial Ashes clash starting on Wednesday, December 18, 2025. However, officials emphasized that they have no intelligence indicating any elevated threat to the cricket venue.The precautionary measures reflect Australia’s heightened security posture following one of the nation’s deadliest terror attacks in recent years.
What Happened at Bondi Beach?
A father and son attacked a crowd gathered for “Chanukah by the Sea” at Sydney’s iconic Bondi Beach on Sunday evening. The event marked the first night of Hanukkah. The assailants opened fire, killing 15 people and injuring dozens more. Police shot one gunman dead at the scene. Officers critically wounded the second suspect and took him into custody.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese confirmed the attackers were motivated by Islamic State ideology, with investigators discovering an ISIS flag in one of the shooter’s vehicles. The gunmen had reportedly traveled to the Philippines ahead of the attack, raising questions about international terror network connections. Among the dead were a 10-year-old girl and several Holocaust survivors, making the tragedy particularly devastating for Australia’s Jewish community.
Security Measures at Adelaide Oval
South Australia Police Commissioner Grant Stevens announced that authorities will deploy special security-response officers armed with rifles across Adelaide Oval and its surrounding areas during the Test match. Commissioner Stevens acknowledged the sensitivity of visible armed police presence while emphasizing the necessity of preparedness.
“There’s a balance between the concern about police officers carrying rifles in and about the community, balanced with the need for us to be able to effectively respond to an event, should an event occur,” Stevens explained. “These officers are specifically trained for that purpose.”
The commissioner stressed that despite the enhanced security, no specific intelligence indicates increased threats to cricket venues or other community events. “There’s no intelligence at this time to indicate that there are any increased levels of threat or security risks around the cricket or any other community event,” he said. “But notwithstanding that, we apply a level of diligence to make sure that people attending can do so with confidence that they are attending a safe and well-managed event.”
Cricket Community Responds
Cricket Australia and the England and Wales Cricket Board issued a joint statement expressing horror at the Bondi Beach attack and offering condolences to victims, their families, and Australia’s Jewish community. “All of our thoughts are with the victims, their friends and families, the Jewish community and the people of Australia at this deeply distressing time,” the statement read.
The cricket authorities pledged to explore ways the sport can honor those affected by the tragedy and thank emergency responders and community members who provided assistance during and after the attack. The decision to fly flags at half-mast during the Adelaide Test serves as a visible tribute to the victims.