False claims link fireworks to Muslims 'celebrating’ Bondi Beach shooting

Australian authorities and community groups have rejected online claims that the Muslims resorted to fireworks in Sydney to celebrate the Bondi Beach mass shooting.

After the deadly attack at Bondi Beach, several posts circulated on social media alleging that “Islamists” were celebrating the violence. A widely shared video showed fireworks lighting up the night sky, with users in Australia and abroad claiming the display was connected to the attack.

"(The people)  we have let into our country are now setting off fireworks in Bankstown, celebrating the Bondi Massacre of our Jewish citizens," one user wrote.

However, officials and local organisers clarified that the footage was being misrepresented. Fireworks did take place on Sunday evening in the Canterbury-Bankstown area, but organisers said the display had no connection to the incident at Bondi Beach.

#FactCheck Mario Nawfal Exposed Anti Muslims Hatred 🚨🚨

Claims circulating online by Mario Nawfal, who is known for anti-Pakistan and anti-Muslim narratives, are misleading and factually incorrect.

He has attempted to link a pre-planned fireworks event to the Bondi Beach… https://t.co/f0u9iqqCVu pic.twitter.com/0vF4otlksA

— Expose Propaganda (@EPropoganda1) December 14, 2025

A local community group said the fireworks were part of a scheduled Christmas Carols programme that had been arranged months earlier. The organisers stressed that the display is held annually and was unrelated to the attack.

Authorities said misleading content has spread rapidly online following the shooting, contributing to confusion and false accusations.