Police Release 7 Men Detained Over Mass ‘Violent Attack’ Concerns

Hours earlier, New South Wales (NSW) Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon earlier conceded there was not enough evidence to lay charges.

Police tape cordons part of the scene of a mass shooting at Bondi Beach in Sydney, Australia, on Dec. 14, 2025. Darrian Traynor/Getty Images

Seven men with links to Islamic extremism have been released from police custody after their arrest in Sydney’s west amid concerns of an imminent “violent attack.”

The update comes just a day after officers rammed the cars of the men, before apprehending them on the streets of Liverpool.

They were allegedly heading from Melbourne to Sydney’s Bondi area, just days after the terror attack that claimed the lives of 15 individuals.

But at about 4 p.m. AEDT on Dec. 19, the men—aged between 19 and 24—were released.

Hours earlier, New South Wales (NSW) Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon earlier conceded there was not enough evidence to lay charges.

“The justification for their ongoing detention no longer exists,” Mal Lanyon told reporters.

“If they haven’t been charged, they’re not subject to bail conditions ... we will monitor these men whilst they’re in NSW.”

Lanyon originally stated that the men would have to be released by 7.30pm.

“Whilst the specific threat posed by the males is unknown, I can say that the potential of a violent offence being committed was such that we were not prepared to tolerate the risk and interdicted it accordingly.”

Lanyon said he had received information that Bondi may have been one of a number of locations the men had intended to attend, though he says the exact reason remains unknown.

One knife was located in one of the stopped vehicles.

“They will continue to be monitored whilst in NSW, and we will work closely with our Victorian and Commonwealth law enforcement partners,” Lanyon said.

Lanyon also said radical Islam was one of the state’s biggest security threats, but noted no direct link between the men and the Bondi terror attack perpetrators.

In response to being asked if Sydneysiders could expect to be safe if the men are released, Lanyon said the community could take comfort in seeing how fast police had acted.

Day of Reflection

Premier Minns announced that Sunday would be a day of national reflection as a mark of respect for lives lost in the Dec. 14 terror attack, with flags half mast and buildings lit yellow.

“It’s a day of reflection and a pause for the terrible events, the shocking crimes that occurred last Sunday and a show of national respect for those that have lost their lives,” said.

Minns said a date would be nominated for a special memorial day that will be held some time after Christmas.