A group of pro-Palestinian protesters have vandalised the exterior of the US Consulate in Melbourne, marking it with graffiti and smashing the glass entrance.
A video, curated by the vandals themselves, was posted online showing a group trashing the premises in protest of the US’ support of the Israeli government in its war against Hamas.
Armed with hammers and spray cans while donning masks, the group destroyed three glass panes leaving the office’s foyer open to St Kilda road.
Slogans including “Free Palestine” were graffitied on the office’s exterior walls, while Palestinian and Aboriginal flags were also drawn.
Pro-Palestinian messaging was interspersed through the footage.
“US terrorists have provided unwavering support for the genocide committed but the IOF [Israel Occupation Forces] and show no remorse for the 30,000 martyred as a result of their murderous actions,” the
“The people of Naarm condemn the US for it’s [sic] crimes against humanity and refuse the existence of the US embassy on stolen First Nations Land.
“LONG LIVE PALESTINE. LONG LIVE GAZA. LONG LIVE THE INTIFADA.”
In a statement released following the incident, Victoria Police confirmed they were investigating the matter.
“Police are investigating after reports of criminal damage and graffiti on a building on St Kilda Road, Melbourne,” the statement read.
“Officers believe the front glass doors were smashed and graffitied overnight sometime between Thursday 28 and Friday 29 December.
“An investigation into the damage remains ongoing.”
It follows the disruption at Melbourne’s Carols by Candlelight event on Christmas Eve by pro-Palestinian activists which are reportedly the same group behind the attacks on the US Consulate.
The Australian Federal Police are also investigating the matter.
Melbourne’s US Consulate has previously been a target of pro-Palestinian demonstrations.
In late November, four pro-Palestinian demonstrators were arrested after they chained themselves to a temporary fence erected in front of the building and covered its entrance with red paint.