Australian Police Form Rapid Response Unit Following Hanukkah Attack
Following a deadly attack in Sydney, Australian police aim to address firepower gaps by forming an Armed Response Command. This strategic move comes after testimony before a commission probing antisemitism, highlighting the need for better-equipped forces against armed threats.
In the wake of a deadly shooting at a Hanukkah event in Sydney, New South Wales police are forming a heavily armed unit to improve rapid response capabilities. The decision emerged from a government inquiry following the December attack that left 15 dead and three officers injured.
During the Royal Commission on Antisemitism and Social Cohesion, police officials discussed the inadequacies that officers faced against armed assailants. David Hudson, Deputy Commissioner, explained that police equipment was significantly inferior, prompting the creation of an Armed Response Command, equipped with semiautomatic weapons, to address potential future threats.
The attack, involving gunmen Sajid and Naveed Akram, exposed the limitations of the current police equipment, mainly handguns, in a gunfight scenario. In response, the ongoing Operation Shelter has been bolstered to prevent further community tensions, promising increased visibility and resources until the new rapid response team is ready.
(With inputs from agencies.)
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