A 16-year-old girl attending a sports event suffered a concussion after a violent protest perpetrated by Destiny Church took place at a Te Atatu library over the weekend.
This came after a group consisting of Destiny Church Man up group, legacy group and many youngsters stormed a drag library event for children.
Roughly 30 toddlers, children and adults had to be barricaded inside the library whilst the swarming took place.
Police confirmed today they are investigating allegations of assault after about 50 people entered the building and refused to leave.
Two girls aged 16 and 20 were attending a dodgeball tournament in the venue’s gymnasium when protestors blocked both entrances and interrupted with loudspeakers.
“They said the protestors were trying to keep the kids safe, but they brought their kids there and their children were unsupervised and roaming wild” one of the girls said.
The protestors then tried to force their way up the stairs to the library but were met by pride workers, librarians and some youths from the dodgeball tournament.
The two girls were then assaulted by two other women and suffered a concussion and bruised ribs in the attack.
Inspector Simon Walker said the group’s actions at the Te Atatū Community Centre and library caused “considerable distress and concern” among children, library staff and visitors.
“This protest crossed a line. Freedom of speech and the right to protest are fundamental principles of a free and democratic society under the rule of law, but nobody, especially children, should ever be made to feel unsafe.”
Walker said he was proud of the frontline staff who responded with “haste and professionalism” to resolve a “dynamic and emotive situation” safely and quickly.
“I also want to acknowledge the staff at the library who did their utmost to de-escalate the situation and keep their visitors safe.
Police have been made aware of the situation but no arrests have been made as of yet.
Photo Credit: RNZ
