Aboriginal leaders are calling for an investigation into a violent attack on a First Nations protest camp in Melbourne, urging authorities to classify it as a hate crime. The incident occurred when approximately 40 men, some armed with flagpoles and sticks, assaulted Camp Sovereignty after an anti-immigration rally on Sunday. The group was reportedly led by known Neo-Nazi Thomas Sewell.

Krautungalung elder Robbie Thorpe, the founder of Camp Sovereignty, described the attack as targeting women first. He reported that four individuals were injured, with two requiring hospitalization. "One had a serious gash on the back of their head. They're OK but it was a very traumatic experience for them," Thorpe said.

Victoria's Police Minister Anthony Carbine announced that counterterrorism police would assist in the investigation to determine the involvement of the National Socialist Network (NSN) and other related matters. Thorpe characterized the attack as an act of terrorism, stating it was "organized and premeditated by a group of people who were talking about violence and hatred for our people and migrants."

He noted the irony of the attackers, who he claimed were migrants themselves, carrying the Union Jack flag. "These fullas are becoming desperate … they fear losing grip on the battle in this country for the last 250 years," he said. Thorpe expressed concern over the lack of police presence during the attack, questioning why authorities did not monitor the Neo-Nazis more closely after earlier violence erupted between anti-immigration protesters and a pro-Palestine counter-rally.

"You'd think the police would have monitored them but they turned up very late and did nothing when they got there. They didn't apprehend anyone," he said. Victoria Police confirmed that no arrests were made at the scene but stated that the investigation is ongoing. They have urged anyone with information or footage of the incident to come forward.

Independent senator Lidia Thorpe condemned the attack, describing it as "horrific, violent, racist, and uncalled for." She reported that families in the community expressed concern, with some children feeling too scared to attend school following the incident. Thorpe called for an inquiry into the police response, emphasizing the need for federal involvement due to the nature of the attack. "The Federal Police cannot wipe their hands of this; they have responsibility in this space," she said, highlighting that the NSN is on the Australian Federal Police watch list as a group that causes terror.