Man Sentenced to Jail for Mimicking Bondi Terror Attack and Targeting Jewish Community
A 23-year-old man has been sentenced to jail after being caught mimicking the Bondi beach terror attack on the same footbridge involved in the tragedy, followed by a series of antisemitic slurs and intimidating behavior. Zayne Jason William McMillan, a bricklayer from Dubbo, received a 12-month jail sentence with a non-parole period of nine months after pleading guilty to multiple charges.
Disturbing Behavior on Bondi Footbridge
According to agreed facts presented in court, McMillan was heavily intoxicated when he visited Bondi beach on January 31, approximately six weeks after the terror attack that claimed 15 lives. On the same footbridge where the attack occurred, McMillan posed as though holding a long-arm firearm while his friend took photographs, directly mimicking the horrific events of December 14.
Judge Michael Barko described the original shooting as "horrific, gut-wrenching, and a developing ongoing drama and trauma" during sentencing on Tuesday. The court heard that McMillan's behavior escalated from mimicking the attack to specifically targeting Jewish people during a 35-minute tirade.
Antisemitic Remarks and Intimidation
McMillan yelled "fuck the Jews" from the footbridge and declared "I'm a Koori, I can do what I like." He then verbally threatened a 47-year-old man walking with his family after making eye contact, shouting "Do you wanna fucking go? I'll fuckin' bash ya. This is my fuckin' land."
The 23-year-old continued his offensive behavior by riding a bicycle to Waverley Oval, where he intimidated a second visibly Jewish victim walking with his son to a synagogue by yelling additional antisemitic remarks. He proceeded to Bondi Junction, where he continued shouting racist slurs even after falling off his bicycle.
Defense Arguments and Judicial Response
Defense barrister Stephen Alexander argued that his client was not an ideological antisemite, stating "What he did say was antisemitic but he didn't go out of his way to be an antisemite" and that McMillan "does not consider himself as being a racist towards the Jewish community."
Judge Barko firmly rejected this characterization, noting that McMillan had specifically singled out Jewish people during his extended tirade. "Not one other faith, belief or culture was referred to," the judge emphasized in his sentencing remarks.
Background and Mitigating Factors
The court heard that McMillan had consumed a dangerous mix of alcohol, ketamine, MDMA, and magic mushrooms prior to the incident. A psychologist had provisionally diagnosed him with a complex post-traumatic background resulting from a deprived childhood. The incident reportedly began when someone responded to McMillan yelling "Free Palestine" on the footbridge, to which he allegedly responded "You're stealing land and killing woman and children ... just like the white man."
McMillan was on parole at the time of the offenses, breaching conditions by taking illicit substances and committing further crimes. He received a discounted sentence after pleading guilty to three counts of offensive behavior in a public place and two counts of intimidation.
Sentencing and Aftermath
McMillan watched his sentencing via audio-visual link from Shortland prison near Cessnock, stroking his goatee as Judge Barko delivered the verdict. He will be eligible for release on November 3. Outside court, defense barrister Alexander told reporters the sentence was "a pretty fair outcome" and that his client was "pretty pleased with it," adding "He'll just get on with his life and hopefully will do a lot better when he comes out."
While the local court heard in March that McMillan wanted to apologize for his conduct, no direct apology occurred during Tuesday's sentencing. McMillan's friend has been charged over the incident with a warrant out for his arrest.
The original Bondi beach terror attack occurred on December 14 during Hanukah celebrations, when Naveed Akram and his father Sajid allegedly opened fire, killing 15 people including a 10-year-old girl and injuring 40 others. Sajid Akram was shot dead by police at the scene.
