Donald Trump Jr has shared a viral social media post comparing Novak Djokovic’s deportation from Australia in 2022 with the presence of the alleged gunman in the deadly Bondi Beach Hanukkah shooting in December 2025. The post has circulated widely online, drawing attention to questions around border enforcement, immigration screening and national security in Australia.
Djokovic deportation contrasted with Bondi Beach attack
The post juxtaposes images of Djokovic, the Serbian tennis player who was removed from Australia in 2022 after authorities cancelled his visa on the grounds that his refusal to receive a Covid-19 vaccine could undermine public confidence in public health measures, with an armed militant linked to the Bondi Beach attack. Trump Jr shared the post with a caption implying inconsistency in Australia’s border controls. The comparison has attracted millions of views and prompted extensive discussion across social media platforms.
Djokovic’s deportation in January 2022 followed a decision by the federal government to cancel his visa using ministerial powers under the Migration Act. At the time, officials said the decision was based on public health considerations during the Covid-19 pandemic, rather than any criminal or security-related concerns. The episode remains one of the most prominent examples of Australia’s strict pandemic-era border enforcement.
Bondi Beach Hanukkah shooting
The Bondi Beach incident took place during a Hanukkah gathering in mid-December 2025 and resulted in multiple deaths and injuries. Australian authorities described the shooting as an antisemitic attack and launched a major counter-terrorism investigation. The suspect was taken into custody at the scene, and police said inquiries into the motive, planning and any potential accomplices are continuing.
Intelligence background under review
Online discussion surrounding the case has focused on claims that the suspect had previously come to the attention of Australia’s domestic intelligence agency, ASIO, in 2019 over alleged extremist associations. Australian officials have not released detailed information about past intelligence assessments, citing legal and operational constraints, but have confirmed that reviews are under way to examine whether existing monitoring and intervention processes were followed.
Immigration screening and security questions
The attack has renewed scrutiny of Australia’s immigration and security screening systems. Some commentators have questioned how long-term risk assessments are handled, particularly where earlier intelligence flags exist. Government representatives have said intelligence assessments are subject to strict legal thresholds and emphasised that investigations remain ongoing..Australian authorities have said investigations into the Bondi Beach shooting are continuing, alongside internal reviews of intelligence and security procedures. Officials have indicated that findings from these processes will inform any future policy or operational changes related to counter-terrorism, border control and immigration screening.
