David Kang | |
|---|---|
| Born | 1970 (age 54–55) |
| Education | Macquarie University (BA) University of Technology Sydney (MBA) University of Sydney (LLB) |
| Known for | Firing two blank shots of astarting pistol atCharles, Prince of Wales |
| Children | 2 |
David Kang (born 1970[citation needed]) is an Australianbarrister. In 1994, he fired two blank shots from astarting pistol at Charles, Prince of Wales (nowKing Charles III) in protest of the treatment of several hundred Cambodianasylum seekers held in detention camps in Australia.[1]
David Kang was born in Australia to Robert Kang, a formerRepublic of Korea Air Force helicopter pilot.[2] At the time of the starting pistol incident, in 1994, Kang was an anthropology student atMacquarie University. Kang later graduated with aBachelor of Arts degree in anthropology from the university.[2]
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On 26 January 1994, the 23-year old Kang fired two blank shots from astarting pistol atCharles, Prince of Wales during anAustralia Day speech atTumbalong Park,Darling Harbour inSydney.[3]
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.[3] The Prince sustained no injuries[3][4] and would next visit Sydney on 28 February 2005.[2][5]
One police officer received a cut hand while tackling Kang. Local police expressed admiration for the speed with which the Prince's SeniorPersonal Protection Officer,Superintendent Colin Trimming, rose to protect the Prince.[6] The personal bravery of the Prince was also remarked upon byIan Kiernan, saying that the prince was "cool as a cucumber".[3]
Others on the stage includedRear Admiral Peter Sinclair,AO (theGovernor of New South Wales),John Fahey (thePremier of New South Wales),Frank Sartor (theLord Mayor of Sydney), andTony Lauer (the New South WalesCommissioner of Police).[7]
Kang had been the second person to attack a royal in Sydney after IrishmanHenry James O'Farrell. O'Farrell shot atPrince Alfred and was later hanged.[8] At the time, Kang was mistakenly reported as being of Cambodian descent and the incident sparked some debate about monarchism and republicanism in Australia.[9]
Kang was arrested and taken to Sydney Police Centre onGoulburn 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, andassault, wasremanded in custody until 4 February 1994. If convicted on all counts, Kang could have received a 20-year sentence.[2][3]
In court, Kang testified that he was suffering from depression and was protesting the plight ofCambodian refugees in Australia.[2] Kang had previously written letters to the Prince of Wales, the President of the United States, the United Nations, and the Pope, among others, and had received aform letter reply from the Prince.[8] Kang was found guilty of threatening unlawful violence and sentenced to 500 hours of community service.[2]
In 2005, Kang said of the incident, "What happened 11 years ago was an extremely traumatic experience and I have certainly moved on in my life and now I have become a barrister here in Sydney." He also emphasised he did not intend to hurt anyone during his protest.[10]
Following the incident, Kang earned aMaster of Business Administration from theUniversity of Technology Sydney and aBachelor of Laws with honours from theSydney Law School.[2][11]
Despite having been found guilty of a crime, the New South Wales Bar Association found that Kang was a "fit and proper person", with the president of theNew South Wales Bar Association remarking that he had "served his time",[12] admitting him as a barrister in 2004.[11] Kang practices as a barrister, specialising in criminal law, commercial and corporations law, equity, and medical negligence,[13] at Ada Evans Chambers in Sydney.[11]
Kang is married and has two children. His interests, as listed on his chambers website, include tennis, soccer, and swimming.[10]