Aussie Cops Under Fire For Pummeling Violent Anti-Isreal Rioters During Israeli President's Visit

New South Wales police faced accusations of “brutality” after violent clashes erupted at Sydney’s Town Hall Monday night, but Premier Chris Minns and senior officers are standing firmly behind law enforcement.

Police arrested 27 people, including 10 for assaulting officers, at a demonstration against Israeli President Isaac Herzog’s visit. Authorities estimated around 6,000 people attended, despite organisers from the Palestine Action Group promising a peaceful rally.

The protest turned chaotic when demonstrators attempted to march down George Street toward NSW Parliament, ignoring restrictions under the Public Assembly Restriction Declaration and the Major Events Act. Officers repeatedly ordered the crowd to disperse.

Assistant Commissioner Peter McKenna described officers being “threatened, jostled and assaulted” during multiple meleés and instances of “violent behaviour.” He defended his team’s response, saying officers “took more than their time before they utilised any of their powers” while being heavily outnumbered.

PAG spokesperson Josh Lees accused police of “sickening brutality,” citing social media videos showing officers striking protesters and confronting Muslim men while they prayed. McKenna rejected the claims, calling the protesters’ actions “outrageous” and praising officers for keeping control under pressure.

NSW Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon said an “angry and aggressive” faction of demonstrators twice charged police lines. “The police did what they needed to do: hold the line and move the protesters back to disperse them,” Lanyon said, emphasizing that the priority was public safety.

“An angry and violent mob marching on police is not a situation I want our officers in,” he added. Body-worn camera footage will be reviewed as part of the post-incident assessment.