The Cronulla riots were a series of race riots in Sydney, New South Wales, Australia. They began in the beachside suburb of Cronulla on 11 December 2005, and over the following nights spread to additional suburbs. The instigating event was a physical altercation on 4 December between a group of youths of Middle Eastern descent and lifeguards at Cronulla beach, following reports of assault of lifeguards and harassment by "young Lebanese men." Following reporting by the tabloid media and shock jocks on local radio, a racially motivated gathering was organised via chain texting.
On the morning of Sunday, 11 December, a crowd gathered at Cronulla. By midday, approximately 5,000 people had gathered near the beach. As the gathering began attacking members of ethnic minorities, the police attempted to intervene. Violence spread to neighbouring suburbs, where assaults occurred, including attacks on ambulances and police officers. Two people were stabbed during these events, and travel warnings for Australia were briefly issued by some countries.
The riots were widely condemned by members of parliament, police, and local community leaders and residents.
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