Two men face charges following an incident in which a police officer was assaulted during a brawl at a hotel in Sydney’s central business district. The altercation occurred shortly after the anti-immigration March for Australia rally on Sunday, March 31, 2024.
At approximately 17:40, officers from the Sydney City Police Area Command received reports of a disturbance at a hotel in Broadway. Witnesses described a group at the bar yelling offensive remarks at individuals passing by. As police attempted to disperse the crowd, a 48-year-old man allegedly assaulted a male constable. When the officer sought to arrest him, another individual, a 29-year-old man, also reportedly attacked the officer.
Footage from the scene captured the deployment of capsicum spray near the hotel’s entrance as police struggled to manage the situation. Both suspects fled the scene but were apprehended after a brief foot chase.
Witnesses expressed their frustration, with one individual, carrying an Australian flag, shouting at the officers, “You aren’t Australian” and “you’re all dogs.” Another bystander was heard saying to an officer, “You’re a tough man… you don’t need to push me… I feel sorry for all of you.”
The assaulted officer sustained minor injuries during the incident. Following their arrest, the 29-year-old was taken to Surry Hills Police Station, while the 48-year-old was transported to Day Street Police Station. Both men have been charged with affray, assaulting a police officer in the execution of duty without actual bodily harm, and hindering or resisting a police officer in the execution of duty.
They were denied bail and are scheduled to appear at the Bail Division Local Court on Monday, April 1, 2024. Investigations into the incident are continuing, with authorities examining footage and witness statements to gain a clearer understanding of the events.
