(pictured in 1992) was the target of the protest On 26 January 1994, the 23-year old Kang fired two blank shots from a
starting pistol at
Charles, Prince of Wales during an
Australia Day speech at
Tumbalong Park,
Darling Harbour in
Sydney. Kang jumped a small fence at the front of the stage and ran onto the stage, firing the first shot with his pistol as he rushed towards the Prince, who had just risen to approach the lectern on the stage. He was wrestled to the ground by police after crashing into the lectern as he fired the second shot. At least 15 people jumped onto the assailant, while the Prince's bodyguard shielded the Prince, who was removed from the stage. and would next visit Sydney on 28 February 2005. One police officer received a cut hand while tackling Kang. There was admiration for the speed with which the Prince's Senior
Personal Protection Officer,
Superintendent Colin Trimming, rose to protect the Prince. The personal bravery of the Prince was also remarked upon by
Ian Kiernan, saying that the prince was "cool as a cucumber". Kang had been the second person to attack a royal in Sydney after Irishman
Henry James O'Farrell in 1868. O'Farrell shot at
Prince Alfred and was later hanged. At the time, Kang was mistakenly reported as being of Cambodian descent and the incident sparked some debate about monarchism and republicanism in Australia.
Arrest, trial, and sentence Kang was arrested and taken to Sydney Police Centre on
Goulburn Street. On the following day, he appeared in court and, facing six charges, including two under the Federal Crimes (Internationally Protected Persons) Act 1976 (Cth) (i.e., attacking an internationally protected person) and charges of illegally using a firearm, possessing a firearm,
affray, and
assault, was
remanded in custody until 4 February 1994. If convicted on all counts, Kang could have received a 20-year sentence. ==Career==