Shocking video shows the moment an aggressive homeless man runs up to the leader of a nationalist “White man fight back” protest in Melbourne and attacks him before being knocked out.
Thomas Sewell was marching at the head of a column of about 150 members of right-wing activist group the National Socialist Network (NSN) along Bourke Street in the heart of the city just before 1am on Saturday when he was confronted by the man.
In footage obtained by Noticer News the man can be seen running up to Mr Sewell, spitting at him and throwing a flurry of punches before Mr Sewell responded with blows of his own.
The leader of political organisation White Australia then knocked the man to the ground while a bystander appeared to attempt to break up the scuffle, and a photo of Mr Sewell taken after the march shows him with cuts to his ear and temple.
Victoria Police said a 26-year-old man of no fixed address was taken to hospital with non-life threatening injuries, and that they were investigating the incident.
“No arrests were made throughout the protest and police had a strong presence to maintain community safety and to prevent any breach of the peace,” they said in a statement.
The protest group, who were all dressed in black and wearing masks except for Mr Sewell, chanted “White man fight back” and had a flag bearing the same slogan carried at the front of the procession along with the Australian and NSN flags.
Both Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan and Opposition leader Brad Battin condemned the march, while Jewish groups called for stronger laws restricting the right to protest.
New footage obtained by Noticer News shows the National Socialist Network parading through Melbourne’s CBD at about 1am this morning surrounded by police and stunned onlookers.
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Anti Defamation Commission chair Dvir Abramovich, one of the campaigners behind Australia’s latest “hate symbols” laws, called the march a “war parade” and said all neo-Nazi and White supremacist groups should be banned immediately.
“Yesterday, Melbourne witnessed a scene that should freeze the blood of every Australian; an army of neo-Nazis marching in formation through our streets, their black uniforms slicing through the city like a blade,” Dr Abramovich told News.com.au.
“[It’s] a chilling trailer for the full-length horror they are plotting.”
Jewish Community Council of Victoria president Philip Zajac said the Victorian government should immediately bring into effect controversial new anti-vilification laws that critics say infringe upon free speech and protest rights, The Age reported.
Ms Allan praised police for how they handled the midnight march, and said they would have the power to unmask protesters when the new laws come into effect in September.
“I thank police who maintained the public order. It’s clear they need more powers, and we’re giving it to them,” she said.
“We’re not afraid of these goons – but we won’t tolerate them either.”
But many Australians defended the nationalist group, saying they preferred them to pro-Palestine protesters who blocked the Sydney Harbour Bridge last weekend and burned the Australian flag.
“Well that’s a refreshing change. At least these fellas are not burning the Aussie flag or denigrating Australia,” wrote one man on Facebook.
“Australian flag being proudly displayed. Peaceful, no burning flags and calls for violence. Don’t see an issue,” said another.
“May not agree with them but compare the market I’m on their side if l have to take a side,” wrote a third.
Many others said they were looking forward to nationwide March for Australia protests planned for every capital city on August 1 in response to the Harbour Bridge controversy.
Header image: Left, Mr Sewell getting punched by the homeless man. Right, the man being knocked to the ground (Supplied).
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