Australian social media users accused “Islamists” of celebrating the Bondi Beach mass shooting after sharing a misleading fireworks video. Users claimed the footage showed celebrations in a Sydney suburb following the deadly attack.
Officials and community groups later confirmed the fireworks related to Christmas events, not the shooting.
The claims spread rapidly online amid heightened tensions after the attack.
Authorities said Sunday’s shooting at Bondi Beach targeted a Jewish festival and constituted an anti-Semitic terrorist act. Gunmen opened fire during a Hanukkah celebration that attracted more than 1,000 people.
Police said the attackers killed 15 people and wounded at least 42 others. The attack shocked the nation and prompted widespread condemnation.
Provocative Claims Gain Traction Online
Soon after the attack, a video circulated online showing fireworks lighting up the night sky. By Monday morning, users had shared the footage widely across Australia and overseas. The video reached audiences in India, Britain, and the United States. Several posts falsely linked the fireworks to celebrations of the Bondi shooting.
One Australian-based social media user claimed people were celebrating the deaths of Jewish Australians.
The post referred to Bankstown, a suburb in southwestern Sydney. The user accused migrants of setting off fireworks and demanded police action. Others repeated similar claims across Facebook and X. Some posts used dehumanising language and inflamed community tensions.
Experts warned that misinformation often spreads quickly after major attacks. They said emotionally charged events create fertile ground for false narratives. Authorities urged the public to verify information before sharing it online.
Local Group Debunks Accusations
Community leaders in southwestern Sydney quickly rejected the claims. The Rotary Club of Padstow confirmed the fireworks marked an annual Christmas Carols celebration. The organisation said planners scheduled the event months earlier. It stressed the display had no connection to the Bondi Beach attack.
The Rotary Club said the fireworks form a regular part of local holiday celebrations. It added that the event brings families together each year. Community organisers expressed disappointment that misinformation targeted their neighbourhood.
Bankstown Forms Part of Canterbury-Bankstown Council
The Canterbury-Bankstown area includes several suburbs in southwestern Sydney. Local authorities describe the region as one of Australia’s most culturally diverse communities. Council data shows residents represent more than 120 nationalities. Despite this diversity, the area increasingly faces anti-immigration rhetoric online.
Community Members Push Back
Residents also challenged the false claims on social media platforms. Several users said they attended the Christmas carols event personally. Others criticised those sharing the video without verification.
One user from neighbouring Belmore condemned the posts as deliberate attempts to incite hatred.
Police continue investigating the Bondi Beach attack and its ideological motivations. Officials said they remain concerned about the spread of online misinformation. They urged calm and unity while investigations proceed.
