Camilla Jessen
A dramatic morning unfolded outside the Russian consulate in Sydney.
A dramatic scene unfolded in Sydney, Australia, when a man drove through the gates of the Russian consulate.
Chaos at the Consulate
A 39-year-old man was arrested Monday morning after driving a white SUV into the gates of the Russian consulate in the Sydney suburb of Woollahra.
The incident occurred shortly after 8 a.m.
Quick Response
It quickly drew a heavy police response, including members of Australia’s diplomatic protection unit.
According to a statement from the Australian Federal Police (AFP), the consulate had contacted authorities after the vehicle was found parked without authorization in its driveway.
“They Pulled Out Guns”
Witnesses say the driver initially refused police orders to exit the vehicle.
One local resident who saw the drama unfold told reporters, “The police kept asking him to get out of the car. He didn’t get out of the car. They pulled out their guns.”
Video Evidence
Footage broadcast by Sky News and Nine showed a white SUV with a smashed window parked on the consulate grounds beside a Russian flag pole.
In video footage viewed by Reuters, officers can be heard shouting, “Get out of the car immediately.”
Police say a 24-year-old officer was injured during the arrest but did not specify how. A flatbed truck was later seen removing the SUV from the premises.
A Morning of Confusion
Construction worker Tim Enright, who was on a rooftop nearby, said he saw officers photographing the vehicle prior to the crash.
Moments later, he heard sirens and saw a helicopter arrive overhead.
“There is no current or imminent threat to the consulate or the local community,” the AFP said in a statement.
The consulate briefly closed following the event but reopened shortly after, with some individuals behind police cordons still showing up for scheduled visa appointments.
A spokesperson for the Russian consulate declined to comment.
Investigation Ongoing
Authorities have not yet released the identity of the arrested man or his motives. It remains unclear whether the incident was politically motivated or related to any specific grievance with the Russian consulate.
For now, the focus remains on the investigation — and ensuring that diplomatic sites remain secure.
