Christmas fireworks mischaracterised as 'Islamists' celebrating Bondi Beach shooting

Warning: Image contains offensive language 

"(The people) we have let into our country are now setting off fireworks in Bankstown, celebrating the Bondi Massacre of our Jewish citizens," reads part of an X post shared by a user based in Australia on December 14, 2025.

An accompanying video, which was reshared over 1,000 times, shows colourful fireworks exploding in the night sky. 

Using dehumanising language, the user goes on to ask: "Why aren't the police arresting (them)?" 

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Screenshot of the false X post captured on December 15, 2025, with a red X added by AFP

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"Islamists setting off fireworks in Sydney to celebrate the terrorist attack against the Hanukkah celebration at Bondi Beach," read a similar Facebook post sharing the video, which was also posted on TikTok and Instagram.

The same video was also shared by users in other countries, including Britain, Turkey and South Africa.

It circulated after gunmen killed 15 people in a mass shooting targeting crowds who had packed Australia's Bondi Beach for the start of  Hanukkah on December 14 (archived link). Another 42 people were rushed to hospital with gunshot wounds and other injuries.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the shooters, one of whom was killed in a shootout with police officers, were likely driven by "Islamic State ideology" (archived link). 

But claims the circulating footage shows a celebration of the attack are another example of misinformation that has emerged online in the aftermath of one of Australia's deadliest mass shootings (archived link).

While some comments on the circulating posts included demands to "deport all the Muslims", others called out the sharing of false information.

"This is in Padstow at a local Christmas carols event," said one X user from neighbouring Belmore suburb (archived link). "Purposefully sharing misinformation to spark hate is disgusting. You should be ashamed of yourself."

A keyword search on Google found the local Rotary Club in Padstow, a suburb neighbouring Bankstown, had planned to put on a fireworks display on the evening of December 14 (archived link).

"The fireworks were part of our annual Christmas Carols event, this event and the fireworks display were planned months in advance," the Rotary Club of Padstow told AFP in a message on December 15 (archived link) .

"They were not in any way related to the terrorist attack at Bondi," the Rotary Club said.

Bankstown and Padstow are part of the City of Canterbury Bankstown, a council comprising several suburbs, which also announced the event on its website (archived link).

"This year marks the 57th year the Rotary Club of Padstow has held this event for the community," the website said. "Our night will culminate with a spectacular fireworks display to the joy of all involved."

The area is one of Sydney's most culturally diverse areas and comprises more than 120 nationalities (archived link).

A council spokesperson told AFP on December 16 that the community event was held at Playford Park to celebrate Christmas.

"We have no knowledge of any other fireworks held in our City," they said.

"In relation to misinformation being shared on social media, it is unhelpful and meant to offend."

A reverse image search also did not find any posts sharing the video before December 14. 

AFP has fact-checked other false claims circulating in the aftermath of mass shootings.