• Ray Breslin

    Sep 1, 2025

  • Videos circulating of Indigenous Camp Sovereignty attacked by neo-Nazis

    In a video report from 7NEWS Australia, new footage has emerged showing an apparent neo‑Nazi attack on an Indigenous “Camp Sovereignty” at King’s Domain in Melbourne following an anti‑immigration protest. This article summarises what was captured, the police response, and the wider context as reported by 7NEWS.

    Reporter introducing new video of attack

    Table of Contents

    Key points at a glance

    • A group of around 20–30 men, reportedly dressed in black, attacked an Indigenous Camp Sovereignty at King’s Domain after an anti‑immigration march.
    • The camp has been occupied by Indigenous leaders and supporters since 26 January 2024.
    • Police reported scuffles across multiple cities as rival groups clashed during protests; six arrests were made in Melbourne and two officers were injured.
    • New footage shows alleged attackers using flagpoles against camp occupants; police said there were reports of injuries but no immediate arrests in that area late yesterday.
    • The events unfolded amid a nationwide police operation also searching for an accused gunman alleged to have murdered two police officers.

    What happened at Camp Sovereignty

    After an anti‑immigration march in central Melbourne, a group of around 20–30 men—described in reports as dressed in black—moved to King’s Domain and confronted occupants of Camp Sovereignty. The camp, set up by Indigenous leaders and supporters, has been in place since 26 January 2024 as a site of protest and cultural visibility.

    Group of men confronting Indigenous camp

    Witnesses and circulating video show physical assaults in which flagpoles were reportedly used to injure people at the camp. Police told reporters that no arrests had been made in that particular area late into the evening, though there were reports of a number of injuries.

    "This is a really ugly postscript to what were ugly and shocking scenes in Melbourne yesterday."

    Timeline and scenes across the cities

    The footage of the King’s Domain incident followed a day of unrest across multiple Australian cities. In Melbourne’s CBD police were stretched as scuffles broke out between rival groups. Authorities reported:

    • Approximately 5,000 protesters in Melbourne for the anti‑immigration rally, with higher numbers in Adelaide and Sydney.
    • Six people arrested in Melbourne where the violence was described as worst.
    • Two police officers injured during confrontations.
    • Estimates of 40,000–50,000 people involved nationally in the string of protests that day.

    Police response and investigations

    Police acknowledged being stretched on multiple fronts. Alongside managing clashes between demonstrators and counter‑demonstrators, officers were also involved in a nationwide search for an accused gunman alleged to have murdered two police officers—an investigation that heightened tensions and resources across forces.

    Specific to the King’s Domain footage, authorities said they had not made arrests in the immediate area late yesterday, despite reports of injuries and allegations that attackers used flagpoles as weapons. Separate to that incident, 7NEWS reported two protesters have since been charged in Sydney after allegedly assaulting a police officer at a bar; the male constable suffered minor injuries.

    Context: Camp Sovereignty and the protests

    Camp Sovereignty at King’s Domain is an ongoing site of protest and cultural assertion for Indigenous leaders and community members. The timing of the attack—after a high‑profile anti‑immigration march—has intensified concerns about organised extremist elements joining public demonstrations and targeting vulnerable groups.

    Signs and messaging at various rallies included support for an individual named Desi Freeman, described in coverage as an accused gunman linked to the murder of two police officers; such sights contributed to an already volatile public order environment.

    Reactions and next steps

    Authorities said they would continue to investigate the incidents and follow up on the circulating video footage. Police and community leaders face pressure to identify perpetrators, protect protestors and camp occupants, and prevent extremist groups from co‑opting public demonstrations.

    7NEWS indicated it would follow up on the story as it unfolded. Community groups, legal advocates and politicians are likely to call for clearer strategies to protect public safety and Indigenous sites of protest in the coming days.

    Conclusion

    The footage circulating from King’s Domain paints a stark picture of the risks posed when extremist elements appear at public protests. With multiple cities affected and police resources already committed to high‑profile investigations, the events underline the need for vigilance, independent investigation of alleged assaults, and protection for peaceful protest and cultural expression.

    FAQ

    What is Camp Sovereignty?

    Camp Sovereignty is a protest camp established by Indigenous leaders and supporters. According to reports, the camp at King’s Domain in Melbourne has been in place since 26 January 2024 as a space for Indigenous rights and visibility.

    Who carried out the attack?

    Circulating video shows a group of around 20–30 men, described as dressed in black and reportedly linked to neo‑Nazi symbolism by witnesses. Police have reported injuries and allegations of violent conduct but said no arrests were immediately made in that area late yesterday. Investigations are ongoing.

    Were there arrests related to the wider protests?

    Yes. Police reported six arrests in Melbourne where violent scenes were at their worst. Two protesters in Sydney have also been charged after allegedly assaulting a police officer at a bar. Two police officers sustained injuries during the unrest.

    How many people were involved in the protests?

    Estimates given in reports place the national numbers between 40,000–50,000 across multiple cities. Melbourne’s anti‑immigration protest was reported to have around 5,000 participants, with larger turnouts in Adelaide and Sydney.

    What should the public expect next?

    Authorities will continue investigations into the footage and reported assaults. Community leaders and legal representatives may seek accountability and stronger protections for peaceful demonstrations and Indigenous protest sites. Media outlets, including 7NEWS Australia, said they will follow developments.