A 28-year-old man was arrested and charged with threatening violence and causing fear after a riot in Horningsea Park. The riot resulted in 51 officers being injured and paramedics hiding in a church for over three hours while attempting to control the crowd. It took a police helicopter, tactical unit, and numerous uniformed officers multiple hours to subdue the rioters with tear gas. Premier Chris Minns expressed confidence in the religious leaders’ condemnation of violence and warned that further unrest would defy their authority.
The first person to face court over the riot, 19-year-old Dani Mansour, was granted bail and admitted that participating in the violence was a mistake. The attack on a 53-year-old religious leader was quickly labeled as a terrorist event by the police. The 16-year-old alleged perpetrator of the attack is currently under guard in the hospital, where he will be assessed by a forensic psychologist. His lawyer stated that the teen has a history of behavior indicative of mental health issues.
Premier Minns met with Assyrian groups and emphasized the need for a peaceful resolution to the events that transpired. He lauded the community’s response in remaining calm following the incident and announced the deployment of an additional police force in south-west Sydney. Fairfield City Council plans to proceed with its Youth Week event, demonstrating a united front against violence. Concerns were raised by Imams Council of Australia’s Bilal Rauf regarding the hastiness of the terror charge and the potential stigma it may create within the community.
Lydia Shelly, President of the NSW Council for Civil Liberties, urged authorities to thoroughly investigate all evidence before levying a terror charge. Greg McIntyre SC, President of the Law Council of Australia, echoed this sentiment and emphasized the importance of rehabilitation over punishment for those at risk of radicalization. He cautioned against the overuse of counter-terrorism powers and suggested a more thoughtful approach to addressing radicalization and extremism. The community and authorities must work together to prevent future incidents and promote understanding and cooperation among diverse groups.
In the wake of the riot and subsequent arrests, there is a renewed focus on ensuring the safety and well-being of all community members. Premier Minns commended the community’s resilience and unity in response to the violence. Efforts are being made to address the underlying issues that may contribute to acts of extremism and violence. All parties involved, including religious leaders, civic leaders, and law enforcement, have reiterated their commitment to maintaining peace and harmony within the community. By working together and addressing the root causes of radicalization, they aim to prevent future incidents and create a safer, more inclusive environment for all residents.
