Overview
- Police charged a 21-year-old from Port Melbourne and a 56-year-old from Kilsyth with assaulting and hindering officers, and both were bailed to face court in May.
- The investigation has now seen three people charged, with police releasing images and seeking public help to identify additional alleged offenders.
- Parts of the CBD, Southbank and Docklands have been declared designated areas from Sunday, enabling pat‑down and wand searches without a warrant, vehicle searches and face‑covering removal orders through May 29, 2026.
- A large operation is planned for Sunday with general duties officers, the Public Order Response Team, Mounted Branch, Highway Patrol and Transit police, plus water‑filled barriers to keep rival groups apart.
- Authorities warn of significant CBD disruptions on Sunday as the protests coincide with the Metro Tunnel opening and free public transport, and they say violence will not be tolerated.