Neo-Nazi Thomas Sewell Arrested Outside Melbourne Court After Confronting Premier
Self-proclaimed neo-Nazi Thomas Sewell has been arrested outside Melbourne Magistrates’ Court just hours after disrupting Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan’s media conference.
Sewell, who is representing himself on charges including intimidating a police officer in connection with Sunday’s anti-immigration rally, was taken into custody by several officers around 3:30 p.m. Exclusive footage captured his arrest on the courthouse steps.
Police have not yet confirmed fresh charges, but it is understood the arrest is likely linked to an incident on Sunday in which a group of white supremacists stormed Camp Sovereignty, an Indigenous protest site in Melbourne.
Confrontation With Premier Jacinta Allan
Earlier in the day, Sewell confronted Premier Allan during a press conference in North Melbourne, where she appeared alongside Treasurer Jaclyn Symes.
He shouted questions about his right to protest, yelling:
“Why don’t Australians have the right to protest? Why do you want to ban us from protesting?”
Security intervened as Allan and Symes were quickly ushered away. Sewell continued to argue with guards, declaring:
“We’re going to take this country back from politicians like you.”
Police later confirmed they were aware of the incident but said no immediate threat was posed after Sewell departed the scene on foot.
Allan Responds: “Badge of Honour”
Following the confrontation, Premier Allan said she was “unharmed and undeterred,” calling it a “badge of honour” to earn the anger of neo-Nazis.
“This isn’t about me,” Allan said in a statement. “It’s about all the other people in the community who Nazis target — multicultural people, LGBTIQA+ people, First Peoples, and Jews. They’re the Victorians who are on my mind right now, and they’re the Victorians our anti-hate laws will protect when they come into force later this month.”
The new legislation will expand Victoria’s vilification laws, making it a criminal offence to incite hate or threaten harm on the basis of protected attributes.
Far-Right Ties and Rally Involvement
The New Zealand-born white nationalist addressed crowds at the March For Australia anti-immigration rally on Sunday, where he falsely claimed 50,000 people were in attendance. Sewell was also present when part of the rally split off and allegedly attacked Camp Sovereignty.
Police Minister Andrew Carbines condemned the incident as “gutless,” while officers continue investigating the attack.
Sewell’s arrest marks the latest clash between Victoria Police and far-right groups, as authorities prepare to enforce tougher anti-hate measures aimed at curbing extremist activity.
