Bondi Bomb Scare: Man Arrested After Allegedly Wearing Vest With Duct-Taped Objects

A man has been arrested in Bondi overnight after he was seen allegedly wearing a vest covered in duct-taped objects, triggering a response from the bomb disposal squad.

Officers from Operation Shelter were called to Oxford Street at 10pm on Sunday following reports of suspicious behaviour, where they located a 33-year-old man allegedly wearing a vest covered in duct-taped objects.

A search of the man’s car allegedly uncovered a second duct-taped best, a face mask, and a tin believed to contain prohibited drugs. Both vests were examined by officers from the bomb disposal unit and deemed to be safe.

The man was taken to Surry Hills Police Station and charged with offensive behaviour, drug possession and giving false information to police. He was refused bail and is set to appear before the Bail Division Local Court on Monday.

Sunday evening sees Jewish mourning period end

Only hours before, more than 2,000 people gathered at a vigil for the Bondi shooting victims, marking the end of the Jewish period of mourning.

Witnesses and family members of those killed in December spoke to the crowd while flanked by a heavy police presence, and a rendition of Waltzing Matilda was sang in a tribute to 10-year-old Matilda, the attack’s youngest victim.

On Thursday, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced the establishment of a federal royal commission into antisemitism and social cohesion, asking former High Court justice Virginia Bell to lead. A report is due before 14 December, 2026.

Tackling four key areas, the commission will examine the key drivers of antisemitism in Australia, make recommendations to enforcement, border, immigration and security; as well as examine the circumstances around the Bondi terror attack, and make recommendations to strengthen social cohesion.

NSW Premier Chris Minns last month indicated his intent to hold a state-based investigation, and is keeping the option open despite the announcement of a federal royal commission.  

“We will continue to work closely with the Jewish community on matters arising from the Bondi terrorist attack and remain open to further inquiries that focus on NSW Government responses,” he said on Friday.

“Our priority remains unchanged: supporting victims and their families, keeping the community safe, and ensuring everything possible is done to prevent an attack like this from ever happening again.”