A person has attacked the US consulate in Sydney with a sledgehammer, damaging windows and spray-painting red inverted triangles, a symbol sometimes used by pro-Palestinian activists.
The background:
This incident reflects rising tensions over the war between Hamas and Israel. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and NSW Premier Chris Minns both stressed the importance of non-violent expression of views.
The attack occurred at 3am with CCTV footage showing a person wearing a dark hoodie trying to break several windows and spray painting the building.
The key quote: "We should be able to have views — including on issues which are difficult. The Middle East conflict is a difficult issue. It is complex. It certainly needs some nuance and isn't a matter of just sloganeering." — Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.
What comes next: Authorities are investigating the attack and urging anyone with information to contact Crime Stoppers, as Australian leaders continue to call for respectful and peaceful political discourse amidst ongoing global conflicts.
