Neo-Nazi Group Arrested After Swarming Sydney Train on Australia Day

Six members of a neo-Nazi group were arrested after swarming a Sydney train on Australia Day, causing shock and condemnation from political leaders. The group, consisting of approximately 60 individuals, donned black balaclavas and carried Australian flags while congregating at Artarmon station. The incident, which saw the train containing the group intercepted at North Sydney station, prompted a swift response from the NSW police.

Officers from North Sydney police, the public order riot squad, and police transport command awaited the arrival of the train at North Sydney station. Upon its arrival, members of the public were evacuated from the train while officers boarded and contained the group in a few carriages. The individuals were all wearing hooded balaclavas and were armed with shields and a flag. In total, six arrests were made, with the individuals later cooperating with police at Chatswood police station. An additional 55 men were issued rail infringement notices for offensive behavior.

The leader of the National Socialist Network, Thomas Sewell, confirmed his participation within the group. Sewell, who is known for his neo-Nazi ideologies and extremist activities, was served with a public safety order by police, prohibiting him from attending any Australia Day events in Sydney. NSW Premier Chris Minns commended the police for their swift action and expressed openness to strengthening the state’s laws on extremist and hateful ideologies. In 2022, both NSW and Victoria banned the display of Nazi flags and symbols, while intentional display of swastikas can lead to severe penalties.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese joined Premier Minns in condemning the neo-Nazi group, stating that such behavior has no place in Australia and should be condemned by all decent people. Albanese noted that the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation had been warning about the rise of neo-Nazi and extremist right-wing activity for some time.

On International Holocaust Remembrance Day, the Executive Council of Australian Jewry expressed their distress over the incident and the presence of uniformed neo-Nazis on the streets of Sydney. The audacity of the group to publicly display their ideologies without significant consequences was deemed particularly chilling. The incident at Artarmon station was part of a larger wave of heightened tensions, with Free Palestine protesters also joining January 26 marches across the country.