Some protesters voiced their discontent with chants and actions that Lanyon considered inappropriate.
“I find it offensive—it shouldn’t happen,” he remarked during an interview with 2GB.
“The police are there to safeguard the community,” he emphasized.
“They serve all members of the community, and witnessing efforts to divide it is something we do not support.”
Lanyon was cautious about law enforcement intervening in response to certain offensive chants, as he was concerned it might escalate tensions. However, he affirmed that the police remain committed to assisting and protecting all residents of Sydney.
“We understand that not everyone agrees with police actions, but our duty is to protect the community,” he stated.
One person was arrested last night for allegedly shining a torch repeatedly in a police officer’s face, and he has been charged with three counts of assault.
Lanyon also said one of the people arrested on Monday allegedly bit a police officer.
“That officer does have an injury consistent with a bite,” Lanyon claimed.
“We will allege that person was biting a police officer and the actions were responsible and required to actually free the officer’s hand.”
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