Man Arrested Over Vandalism of Memorial Wall For Fallen Police Officers

Over the long weekend, a 43-year-old man has been charged with the alleged vandalism of a memorial wall in The Domain which is dedicated to NSW Police Officers which were killed in the line of duty.

The words ‘evil’ and ‘dogs’ was scratched into the Police Wall of Remembrance, which was dedicated in 1999. NSW Police have a memorial event on September 29 of each year in acknowledgement of National Police Remembrance Day.

The man was arrested at at Glebe light rail station and taken to Day Street police station where he was charged with ‘destroying or damaging property’ and ‘committing an offensive act in or on a war memorial or interment site’. He was refused bail.

“I’m very pleased with the swift action to arrest him for this awful crime,” said NSW Police Commissioner Karen Webb, adding that it is too early to speculate on the motive for the attack.

But the Commissioner expressed concerns that people were “expressing their hate in very visible ways”.

Police Minister Yasmin Catley said the vandalism of the “sacred site” was the “lowest of acts”.

In a statement in front of media about the police memorial, when asked about the recent cluster of antisemitic vandalism, the Police Minister called for “social harmony”.

NSW Premier Chris Minns speaks on vandalism of police memorial

Appearing on 2GB radio, NSW Premier Chris Minns called the vandalism a “disgusting” affront to officers who have been killed in the line of duty.

“I’m just so appalled by it, I can’t believe someone could be so heartless,” said Minns.

Webb said police will now work with the City of Sydney council to repair the damage to the memorial, although it is not known yet if the damage is repairable or will need replacement.