Thomas Sewell (neo-Nazi) explained

Thomas Sewell (neo-Nazi) should not be confused with Thomas Sowell.

Thomas Sewell
Birth Place:New Zealand
Nationality:Australian
Known For:Far-right activism and neo-Nazism
Otherparty:

Thomas Sewell (born) is a New Zealand-born Australian neo-Nazi and convicted criminal.[1] [2] [3] [4] He is the leader of the National Socialist Network, the European Australian Movement and founder of the Lads Society. The groups led by Sewell focus on promoting White supremacy and far-right activism in Australia. He is known for associating with other prominent neo-Nazis and for controversial public stunts.

In 2017 Sewell attempted to recruit Brenton Harrison Tarrant, the eventual perpetrator of the 2019 Christchurch mosque shooting, into the Lads Society.[5] In October 2023 he was sentenced to a prison term of one month and seven days,[6] after attacking hikers at Victoria's Cathedral Range.[6] [7] [8]

Early life and education

Sewell was born around 1993 in New Zealand.[9]

He attended Balwyn High School in Melbourne, Australia.[10]

Political views

Sewell is a neo-Nazi.[1] He is associated with other well-known far-right neo-Nazi extremists, including Neil Erikson of the United Patriots Front and the Lads Society, the latter of which Sewell was a founding member.[11] [12] [13] [14]

In 2017, Thomas Sewell invited Brenton Tarrant (the perpetrator of the 2019 Christchurch mosque shootings) to join the Lads Society, but Tarrant refused.[5] In an interview in which Sewell confirmed that he tried to recruit Tarrant he was quoted as saying that he would see violence against minorities as an option "if the state continues its persecution of our people for wanting to preserve their culture and heritage".[5]

Videos leaked to the press in November 2019 revealed Sewell's aim to attract and recruit members from mainstream society under the guise of a men's fitness club. His White supremacist agenda was clearly shown as he outlined plans which included the creation of “Anglo-European” enclaves in Australian cities, encouraging the “speed and ferocity of the decay” of society to help foment a "race war" by tactics including exploiting issues raised by politicians.[15]

Activities

Sewell served in the Australian Defence Force.[12]

He was the founder of the Lads Society, a now-defunct far-right White nationalist group,[16] and is the self-appointed leader of the neo-Nazi National Socialist Network[17] [18] as well as the European Australian Movement.

January 2021: Australia Day gathering

In January 2021, over the Australia Day weekend, 38 members of Sewell's European Australia Movement were photographed performing Nazi salutes next to Lake Bellfield at the foot of the Grampians in western Victoria. The group also chanted "White power", Sieg Heil and racist slogans at passers-by. The group's actions drew the attention of local police as well as intelligence officers from Victoria Police's Counter-Terrorism Command.[12]

March 2021: Assault

On 1 March 2021, a report on far-right extremism by A Current Affair was aired. An hour before the report was aired, Sewell and Jacob Hersant, a neo-Nazi associate, arrived at the Nine Network office in Melbourne and demanded to speak to staff regarding the program. After being told to leave the premises, Sewell repeatedly punched a security guard in the face causing him to fall to the ground where Sewell continued to punch him in the face repeatedly. The incident was filmed and later posted on social media by Sewell himself. The attack drew condemnation from Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews who labelled it as "sickening".[19] [20] [21] [22]

Victoria Police's counter-terrorism command charged Sewell with affray, recklessly causing injury and unlawful assault.[23]

In December 2022, Sewell contested charges of affray, recklessly causing injury, and unlawful assault in the Melbourne Magistrates Court.[24] He attended with several supporters, including Blair Cottrell. Other supporters, including Neil Erikson, watched the proceedings online.[25] The following week, Sewell was found guilty of affray and recklessly causing injury.[26] [27] [28] On 12 January 2023, Sewell was sentenced to an 18-month community corrections order with 150 hours of community.[4] [29] After being sentenced, Sewell performed a Nazi salute outside the courtroom.[30]

May 2021: Cathedral Range assault on hikers

On 14 May 2021, Sewell was charged after a raid by counter-terrorism police at a house in the Melbourne suburb of Rowville. Sewell was charged with armed robbery, robbery, theft, criminal damage, affray with a face covering, affray, assault with a weapon, violent disorder, common law assault and committing an indictable offence while on bail. The charges concerned an attack on three hikers in Victoria's Cathedral Range.[7] [31] Sewell and up to 15 other masked men attacked two passengers in a car and smashed windows. Sewell's blood was found inside the car.[32] On 1 August 2023, Sewell and a co-offender, Jacob Hersant pleaded guilty to one charge of violent disorder. On 27 October 2023, Sewell and a co-offender were spared further jail time and sentenced to time already served.[33] [34]

March 2023: anti-transgender rights rally

On 18 March 2023, Sewell attended a rally in Melbourne. He was with 30 other neo-Nazis, including members of the NSN.[35] The rally was held by British anti-trans activist Kellie-Jay Keen-Minshull, while visiting the city on her Australian and New Zealand tour. Sewell and other members of the NSN marched down Spring Street, performed Nazi salutes on the stairs of Parliament House and referred to transgender people as paedophiles. A counterprotest in support of transgender rights, attended by many students, transgender activists, and socialists, clashed with the groups. While the police, including several mounted officers, attempted to separate the two groups, there were some interactions (many of which were violent), and it was reported that pepper spray was used at least once.[36] The events were condemned by the Labor Party,[37] and the Liberal Party.[38]

January 2024: Australia Day ban

On Australia Day (26 January) 2024, Sewell and a group of National Socialist Network members were stopped and questioned by police in North Sydney. Sewell was served with a public order banning him from the city of Sydney local government area for the day, and from attending any events relating to Australia Day. Police told Sewell that the reasons for issuing him with the order was “based on your ideological links, including your associates, your previous attendance and ideologically motivated public order incidents, your criminal history of assaulting members of the public and your goal of intimidating and provoking people”.[39]

August 2024: Active Club Network

In August 2024, it was reported that Sewell was leading a cell of the Active Club Network in South Australia known as Croweater. Sewell was suspended from X in July 2024, but the Croweater page remains, featuring a photo of masked members carrying a banner reading "Australia for the white man".[40]

Personal life

Sewell had a fiancée who was 36 weeks pregnant in January 2023.[41]

Further reading

Notes and References

  1. neo-Nazi:
    • News: Victoria Police charge man with assault over neo-Nazi video at Channel Nine . 7 March 2021 . . . . 4 March 2021 . On Monday afternoon Thomas Sewell, the leader of an Australian neo-Nazi group, appeared in a video filmed at the news station's offices in Docklands. . 5 March 2021 . https://web.archive.org/web/20210305160128/https://www.abc.net.au/news/2021-03-03/victoria-police-lay-charge-over-channel-nine-nazi-video-incident/13210366 . live .
    • News: Neo-Nazi who attacked Channel Nine security guard posts video of incident . 7 March 2021 . . . 1 March 2021 . 3 March 2021 . https://web.archive.org/web/20210303055159/https://9now.nine.com.au/a-current-affair/breaking-neonazi-who-attacked-channel-nine-security-guard-thomas-sewell-posts-disturbing-video-incident-online/56defe87-c8f6-4aa2-b5bd-8d1410397e7c . live .
    • News: Premier condemns 'sickening' attack on Channel 9 security guard by neo-Nazi . 7 March 2021 . Nine News . . . 8 March 2021 . https://web.archive.org/web/20210308043649/https://www.9news.com.au/national/neo-nazi-thomas-sewell-channel-nine-security-guard-a-current-affair-national-socialist-network/8fb00008-a864-4728-820b-e75f932306a1 . live .
    • News: Paynter . Jack . Terrifying rise of far-right groups in Aus . 7 March 2021 . Daily Mercury . . . 7 March 2021 . The speed at which neo-Nazi leader Thomas Sewell allegedly escalated to violence sent shivers down the spine of civil rights activists who have been monitoring the behaviour of these individuals over recent years. . 10 March 2021 . https://web.archive.org/web/20210310042456/https://www.dailymercury.com.au/news/terrifying-rise-of-far-right-groups-in-aus/4211070/ . live .
    • News: Neo-Nazi arrested over alleged assault on Channel Nine security guard . 7 March 2021 . . . 3 March 2021 . The neo-Nazi who allegedly assaulted a Channel Nine security guard has been arrested. Shortly before 10pm on Tuesday, Channel Nine's Sam Cucchiara reported that police had arrested Thomas Sewell and another man. . 5 March 2021 . https://web.archive.org/web/20210305084642/https://9now.nine.com.au/a-current-affair/neonazi-who-attacked-channel-nine-security-guard-says-i-have-nothing-to-hide/727e0214-092e-44d8-9053-b6b2e32e4f90 . live .
    • News: Travers . Brianna . Neo-Nazi arrested after security guard allegedly attacked . The Mercury (Hobart) . . 7 March 2021 . Neo-nazi Thomas Sewell, 27, has been charged with affray, recklessly cause injury and unlawful assault. . 22 April 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230422143359/https://www.themercury.com.au/news/victoria/neonazi-arrested-after-security-guard-allegedly-attacked/news-story/70bdc06b6951ae7cc0ec1d4bc335b2f3 . live .
  2. Web site: Australian white nationalists reveal plans to recruit 'disgruntled, white male population' . . 11 November 2019 . 21 June 2022 . 21 June 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20220621051922/https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2019/nov/12/australian-white-nationalists-reveal-plans-to-recruit-disgruntled-white-male-population . live .
  3. Web site: Christchurch shooter was active with Australian far-right groups online but escaped police attention . . 8 December 2020 . 21 June 2022 . 21 June 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20220621051921/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/dec/08/christchurch-shooter-was-active-with-australian-far-right-groups-online-but-escaped-police-attention . live .
  4. Web site: 2023-01-12 . Neo-Nazi Thomas Sewell avoids jail time over 'brutal' attack on Nine Network security guard . 2023-01-20 . the Guardian . en . Australian Associated Press . 20 January 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230120162955/https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2023/jan/12/neo-nazi-thomas-sewell-avoids-jail-time-over-brutal-attack-on-nine-network-security-guard . live .
  5. Web site: Begley . Patrick . Threats from white extremist group that 'tried to recruit Tarrant' . The Sydney Morning Herald . May 2019 . Nine . 7 May 2019 . 17 August 2021 . https://web.archive.org/web/20210817030604/https://www.smh.com.au/national/threats-from-white-extremist-group-that-tried-to-recruit-tarrant-20190501-p51j5w.html . live .
  6. Web site: Neo-Nazi leader sentenced to time served over attack on hikers in Victorian state park . The Guardian . 27 October 2023 . 27 October 2023 . 27 October 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20231027052217/https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2023/oct/27/neo-nazi-leader-sentenced-to-time-served-over-attack-on-hikers-in-victorian-state-park . live .
  7. News: 2021-05-14 . Australian neo-Nazi leader Thomas Sewell charged over alleged armed robbery . 2024-01-15 . ABC News . en-AU . 14 May 2021 . https://web.archive.org/web/20210514075033/https://www.abc.net.au/news/2021-05-14/neo-nazi-thomas-sewell-arrested-melbourne/100140902 . live .
  8. Web site: Australian Associated Press . Neo-Nazi leader sentenced to time served over attack on hikers in Victorian state park . the Guardian . 27 October 2023 . 27 October 2023 . 27 October 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20231027052217/https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2023/oct/27/neo-nazi-leader-sentenced-to-time-served-over-attack-on-hikers-in-victorian-state-park . live .
  9. Web site: McGowan. Michael. "Australian white nationalists reveal plans to recruit 'disgruntled, white male population'". The Guardian. 12 November 2019. 15 January 2024. 17 January 2024. https://web.archive.org/web/20240117030741/https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2019/nov/12/australian-white-nationalists-reveal-plans-to-recruit-disgruntled-white-male-population. live.
  10. Web site: Fox Koob . Simone . 12 November 2023 . Why it's so hard to stop neo-Nazi public hate parades . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20240203064513/https://www.theage.com.au/politics/victoria/why-it-s-so-hard-to-stop-neo-nazi-public-hate-parades-20231102-p5eh2h.html . 3 February 2024 . 12 November 2023 . . en.
  11. Web site: Neo-Nazis go bush: Grampians gathering highlights rise of Australia's far right. The Sydney Morning Herald. 27 January 2021. 2 March 2021. 3 March 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20210303144350/https://www.smh.com.au/politics/federal/neo-nazis-go-bush-grampians-gathering-highlights-rise-of-australia-s-far-right-20210127-p56xbf.html. live.
  12. Web site: McKenzie . Nick . Tozer . Joel . 28 January 2021 . We do not need to wait for a Christchurch: Grampians cross burning spurs call for action . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20210303144345/https://www.smh.com.au/politics/federal/we-do-not-need-to-wait-for-a-christchurch-grampians-cross-burning-spurs-call-for-action-20210128-p56xer.html . 3 March 2021 . 2 March 2021 . . Mr Sewell later posted online... images of the neo-Nazi group posing in front of a burning cross and displaying Nazi salutes.
  13. Web site: How Australia's anti-terror regime has failed to rein in far-right extremists . The Guardian . 15 January 2021 . 2 March 2021 . 1 March 2021 . https://web.archive.org/web/20210301231023/https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2021/jan/16/how-australias-anti-terror-regime-has-failed-to-rein-in-far-right-extremists . live .
  14. Web site: A Wake-Up Call: What's Being Done To Combat The Rise Of Far-Right Extremism . SBS TV . 2 March 2021 . 2 March 2021 . https://web.archive.org/web/20210302075828/https://www.sbs.com.au/news/the-feed/a-wake-up-call-what-s-being-done-to-combat-the-rise-of-far-right-extremism . live .
  15. Web site: McGowan . Michael . Australian white nationalists reveal plans to recruit 'disgruntled, white male population' . The Guardian . 11 November 2019 . 29 August 2020 . 21 September 2020 . https://web.archive.org/web/20200921224634/https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2019/nov/12/australian-white-nationalists-reveal-plans-to-recruit-disgruntled-white-male-population . live .
  16. Lads Society:
  17. Web site: Beazley . Jordyn . Albanese condemns actions of balaclava-clad neo-Nazis arrested by police after swarming Sydney train . The Guardian . 27 January 2024 . 27 January 2024 . 26 January 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240126222607/https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2024/jan/26/balaclava-clad-neo-nazis-held-by-police-after-swarming-sydney-train . live .
  18. Web site: Dillion . Meagan . Accused supporter of Adelaide neo-Nazi movement Cameron Brodie-Hall applies for home detention bail . ABC.net.au . 30 August 2022 . ABC . 31 January 2023 . 24 January 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230124060921/https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-08-30/cameron-brodie-hall-applies-for-home-detention-bail/101388046 . live .
  19. Web site: Premier condemns 'sickening' attack on Nine security guard. 2021-03-02. www.9news.com.au. 2 March 2021. 2 March 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20210302110614/https://www.9news.com.au/national/neo-nazi-thomas-sewell-channel-nine-security-guard-a-current-affair-national-socialist-network/8fb00008-a864-4728-820b-e75f932306a1. live.
  20. Web site: 2021-03-02. Neo-Nazi demanded to see journalists, allegedly bashed Channel Nine guard. 2021-03-02. The Age. en. 2 March 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20210302092135/https://www.theage.com.au/national/victoria/neo-nazi-demanded-to-see-journalists-allegedly-bashed-channel-nine-guard-20210301-p576vw.html. live.
  21. News: 2021-03-01. Neo-Nazi leader allegedly assaults Channel 9 security guard. 2021-03-02. News.com.au. en. Clench. Sam. 3 March 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20210303005253/https://www.news.com.au/national/channel-9-security-guard-allegedly-assaulted-by-neonazi-leader/news-story/6f8a811a1b904f324e107e45b564c912. live.
  22. Web site: 2021-03-02. Neo-Nazi leader filmed repeatedly punching security guard at Channel Nine building. 2021-03-02. the Guardian. en. 2 March 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20210302092157/https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2021/mar/01/neo-nazi-leader-filmed-repeatedly-punching-security-guard-at-channel-nine-building. live.
  23. Web site: Estcourt . David . 2021-03-03 . Neo-Nazi group leader charged with assault of Channel Nine security guard . 2023-11-12 . The Age . en . 3 March 2021 . https://web.archive.org/web/20210303134124/https://www.theage.com.au/national/victoria/neo-nazi-group-leader-charged-over-alleged-assault-on-channel-nine-security-guard-20210303-p577c3.html . live .
  24. Web site: Abbott . Lachlan . Erin . Pearson . 2022-12-14 . Thomas Sewell argues self-defence in alleged attack on TV security guard . 2022-12-15 . The Age . en . 15 December 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20221215025915/https://www.theage.com.au/national/victoria/thomas-sewell-argues-self-defence-in-alleged-attack-on-tv-security-guard-20221213-p5c5wm.html . live .
  25. News: Kaila . Jon . 15 December 2022 . Child attends neo-Nazi meeting in Melbourne organised by European Australia Movement . . 15 December 2022 . 15 December 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20221215042920/https://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/victoria/child-attends-neonazi-meeting-in-melbourne-organised-by-european-australia-movement/news-story/1c70af80fa8d94ba0716197db4e60c25 . live .
  26. News: Argoon . Ashley . 20 December 2022 . Neo-Nazi Thomas Sewell found guilty of brutal assault on Channel 9 security guard . . 20 December 2022 . 20 December 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20221220035918/https://www.heraldsun.com.au/truecrimeaustralia/police-courts-victoria/neonazi-thomas-sewell-found-guilty-of-brutal-assault-on-channel-9-security-guard/news-story/d3f349a4b6b213456d397d18d7617197 . live .
  27. Web site: Neo-Nazi Thomas Sewell facing jail time over attack on Nine Network security guard . . 20 December 2022 . 5 January 2023 . 5 January 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230105052659/https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2022/dec/20/neo-nazi-thomas-sewell-facing-jail-time-over-attack-on-nine-network-security-guard . live .
  28. Web site: White nationalist Thomas Sewell found guilty of assaulting security guard as his friend filmed . . 20 December 2022 . 5 January 2023 . 5 January 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230105052711/https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-12-20/neo-nazi-one-punch-assault-guilty/101793010 . live .
  29. Web site: Morgan . Cassandra . 12 January 2023 . Neo-Nazi leader Thomas Sewell avoids jail over brutal attack on a Nine security guard . 2023-01-20 . www.9news.com.au . 15 January 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230115032748/https://www.9news.com.au/national/thomas-sewell-neonazi-has-avoided-time-behind-bars-over-a-brutal-attack-on-a-nine-network-security-guard/d4911ed5-e696-4d2e-98b7-c51c26bffdca . live .
  30. News: Timms . Hugo . 12 January 2023 . Neo-Nazi Thomas Sewell's vile act outside court after sentence for assault on Nine Network security guard . . 26 June 2023 . 6 May 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230506011026/https://www.news.com.au/national/victoria/courts-law/neonazi-thomas-sewells-vile-act-outside-court-after-sentence-for-assault-on-nine-network-security-guard/news-story/ca6ea5e575a9a4c05623468af77d1fc2 . live .
  31. News: Pearson . Erin . Neo-Nazi leader pleads guilty to attack on hikers . ABC News . 1 August 2023 . 2 August 2023 . 2 August 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230802054833/https://www.theage.com.au/national/victoria/neo-nazi-leader-pleads-guilty-to-attack-on-hikers-20230801-p5dsxm.html . live .
  32. News: Australian neo-Nazi leader Thomas Sewell charged over alleged armed robbery . ABC News . 14 May 2021 . 8 September 2021 . 24 August 2021 . https://web.archive.org/web/20210824021457/https://www.abc.net.au/news/2021-05-14/neo-nazi-thomas-sewell-arrested-melbourne/100140902 . live .
  33. News: Neo-Nazi leaders spared further jail time over hiker attack . . 27 October 2023 . 27 October 2023 . 27 October 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20231027082106/https://www.9news.com.au/national/neo-nazi-leaders-admit-melbourne-hiker-attack-but-claim-innocence/2e3893c2-1f81-4fea-8403-99b5ddcc617e . live .
  34. News: Neo-Nazis walk free from court, spared further jail time over attack on Victorian hikers . . 27 October 2023 . 27 October 2023 . 27 October 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20231027032722/https://www.abc.net.au/news/2023-10-27/neo-nazi-hiker-attack-thomas-sewell-jacob-hersant/103031582 . live .
  35. News: Fox Koobe . Simone . Eddie . Rachel . 19 March 2023 . Government may amend anti-vilification laws after neo-Nazis salute on Spring Street . . 19 March 2023 . 19 March 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230319114338/https://www.theage.com.au/national/victoria/government-may-amend-anti-vilification-laws-after-neo-nazis-salute-on-spring-street-20230319-p5ctbm.html . live .
  36. News: Nazi salutes performed on steps of Victorian parliament as protesters clash over trans rights. SBS News. 19 March 2023. 18 March 2023. https://web.archive.org/web/20230318231604/https://www.sbs.com.au/news/article/nazi-salutes-performed-on-steps-of-victorian-parliament-as-protesters-clash-over-transgender-rights/yr7gzkevn. live.
  37. News: Neo-Nazis and trans rights protesters clash in Melbourne. The Guardian. 19 March 2023. 19 March 2023. https://web.archive.org/web/20230319003354/https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/live/2023/mar/18/australia-news-live-extreme-heat-total-fire-ban-victoria-nsw-south-australia-aukus-protest-china. live.
  38. News: Protesters clash in Melbourne over transgender rights. Daily Liberal. 19 March 2023. 18 March 2023. https://web.archive.org/web/20230318123828/https://www.dailyliberal.com.au/story/8126045/protesters-clash-in-melbourne-over-transgender-rights/?src=rss. live.
  39. Web site: Harris . Perry . Duffin . Christopher . 2024-01-26 . Neo-Nazis confronted by Sydney police, banned from Australia Day events . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20240127003724/https://www.smh.com.au/national/nsw/neo-nazis-confronted-by-sydney-police-banned-from-australia-day-events-20240126-p5f0bw.html . 27 January 2024 . 2024-01-26 . . en.
  40. Web site: Jeuniewic . Lexie . Active Clubs and white supremacy groups targeting young men a 'threat to social cohesion' in Australia . . 3 August 2024 . 3 August 2024.
  41. News: Australian Associated Press . 2023-01-12 . Neo-Nazi Thomas Sewell avoids jail time over 'brutal' attack on Nine Network security guard . en-GB . The Guardian . 2023-11-12 . 0261-3077 . 20 January 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230120162955/https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2023/jan/12/neo-nazi-thomas-sewell-avoids-jail-time-over-brutal-attack-on-nine-network-security-guard . live .

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