An estimated 90,000 people participated in a pro-Palestinian march across the Sydney Harbour Bridge on Sunday, far exceeding expected numbers. The event was organized by the Palestine Action Group and aimed to raise awareness about the ongoing war in Gaza.
Senior police officials described the situation as “perilous” and raised concerns about crowd crush due to the large number of protesters gathered on the north side of the bridge. Acting Assistant Commissioner Adam Johnson stated that the march posed a significant risk of injury or loss of life, citing his 35 years of policing experience.
To mitigate this risk, police made a last-minute decision to stop the march at around 3 pm and instruct protesters to turn back towards the city. This move was credited with averting a potential incident and ensuring public safety.
Police acknowledged that they had not adequately prepared for the event due to short notice and logistical challenges. Acting Deputy Commissioner Peter McKenna stated, “We could not get those people off that northern egress route without risking crowd crush.”
Despite the initial concerns, no incidents were reported during the march, and protesters departed peacefully. The Palestine Action Group has hailed the event as a success and expressed gratitude for public support.
The organizers plan to hold a national day of action on August 24, which will likely draw further attention to their cause.
Source: https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-08-04/pro-palestine-large-crowd-perilous-on-bridge-march-police-say/105607802