Driver Arrested After Ramming Car Into Gates of Russian Consulate in Sydney
Australian Federal Police and New South Wales officers detained a man after an unauthorized vehicle entered the consulate driveway in Woollahra, police say.
A man was arrested on Monday after driving a vehicle into the gates of the Russian Consulate in the Sydney suburb of Woollahra, Australian police said.
The Australian Federal Police’s diplomatic protection unit responded to a request for assistance from the Russian Consulate after an unauthorized vehicle was found parked in the driveway, an AFP spokesperson said. New South Wales Police said officers were called to the scene shortly after 8 a.m. and attempted to speak with the driver before the vehicle was driven through the gates.
Television footage from Australian networks showed a white SUV with a smashed window abandoned next to a Russian flagpole inside the consulate grounds. A neighbor who witnessed the incident said police ordered the driver to exit the vehicle; when he did not, officers drew their firearms. "It was quite dramatic on a Monday morning," the witness said, declining to give his name.
New South Wales Police said the driver was taken into custody at the scene. Police and AFP statements did not provide further details on injuries or immediate charges. Investigations were under way to determine the full circumstances of the incident.
Police diplomatic protection units routinely assist foreign diplomatic missions when security concerns arise, and state and federal agencies coordinate responses at consular properties. Authorities did not say whether consulate staff were on site at the time or if any damage beyond the gates and vehicle occurred.
Officials from the Russian Consulate and AFP had not released additional comment by midday Monday as inquiries continued. NSW Police asked anyone with information or footage of the incident to come forward to assist the investigation.