🔒 This past Thursday (Dec 18), armed Australian police arrested seven men in Liverpool, Sydney's southwest, after a tip about a possible 'violent act' amid the city's shock over last Sunday's (Dec 14) Bondi Beach shooting.
Special tactics officers intercepted two vehicles they believed were headed to Bondi Beach. A police SUV rammed the suspects' white hatchback head-on as officers in camouflage gear led the men face-down on the road, their hands secured with zip ties. Local footage even shows one suspect with a bleeding gash on his forehead.
Under Australia's anti-terrorism and national security laws, authorities can hold suspects for up to seven days without charges. Deputy Commissioner David Hudson said the force's tolerance for risk is extremely low after the recent atrocities.
All seven had been on police radar, and one was under ASIO (Australian Security Intelligence Organisation) watch. Investigators say they may be linked to extremist Islamic ideology, though there's still no clear evidence of a specific target or plan.
It's possible the men will be released if no further evidence emerges. For now, the arrests highlight how serious Australia's security response has become after its worst mass shooting in nearly 30 years.
Stay tuned as more details come in. 🔍
Reference(s):
Australian police arrest 7 men suspected over possible 'violent act'
cgtn.com
