Chaos in Maningrida as 200 PEOPLE brawl on the streets – as native publish workplace is compelled to close down over security fears
A remote Indigenous community in the Northern Territory has been rocked by days of violent unrest involving hundreds of residents.
NT Police responded to multiple ‘large disturbances’ in Maningrida between January 1 and January 4, with some incidents involving over 200 people.
Some individuals were also allegedly armed with weapons.
Ten people were arrested, including a 31-year-old man charged with driving recklessly through the community, nearly striking a police vehicle before crashing.
It comes as shocking footage has emerged of individuals being thrown to the ground before they are kicked and stomped on, and men throwing multiple punches at each other as people stand by and watch.
One police officer was allegedly assaulted during an incident and suffered minor injuries which did not require medical treatment.
In other videos, young kids and women appeared to be often caught up in the middle of the chaos before being forced to run and find safety.
Crowds of over 30 people could be seen around each fight, screaming and cheering on the fights.
A series of violent brawls have broken out in the remote community of Maningrida
Crowds of people can be seen watching on as a man repeatedly punches another
NT Police Senior Sergeant Glenn Leafe said the fighting is being driven by social media posts and retributions as a result.
‘The majority of the Maningrida community are not involved, but are further negatively impacted as vital policing, medical and other essential services are diverted to respond to the senseless fighting,’ Senior Sergeant Leafe said.
‘The disgraceful conduct of these individuals is not representative of the Maningrida community and those involved will be held accountable.
‘Police are continuing to work closely with Traditional Owners and key community stakeholders to strengthen engagement efforts and help reduce tensions within the community.’
Police confirmed investigations are ongoing into several offences, with several persons of interest identified.
The Arnhem Land town, which is located about 500 kilometres east of Darwin, closed its council office and post office on Monday as a result of the violence.
The brawls come weeks after police responded to a fight involving around 40 people in Ramingining, five hours east of Maningrida, just before Christmas, NT News reported.
Violence also broke out over the weekend prior to Christmas, with some offenders allegedly armed with spears and other weapons.
Additional police resources from Darwin were deployed and remain in the community, with officers conducting high-visibility patrols
Two men were taken to the local clinic with non-life-threatening injuries and one man was arrested and charged with aggravated assault, reports NT News.
‘The escalation of violence we saw … is simply not acceptable,’ NT Police Superintendent Joby Knoffs said at the time.
‘We are calling on community leaders and elders to work alongside police and other stakeholders to help resolve conflict, reinforce cultural authority and support peaceful outcomes.’
Locals have now taken to social media to share their fears for the community.
‘Praise God. Let’s all stand up and pray for Maningrida community because there’s lots of fighting going on. Amen,’ one resident shared.
Another said: ‘I remember mob would listen to the elders and sort these things out.’
It comes just weeks after NT Chief Minister Lia Finocchiaro backed her ‘tough on crime’ stance.
Recent crime data indicated there had been an 8.6 per cent decrease in victims between January to October last year.
NT Chief Minister Lia Finocchiaro has been unapologetic about her ‘tough on crime’ stance
‘[2025] marked a turning point for law and order in the Northern Territory,’ Finocchiaro said.
‘We have acted decisively, backed police, strengthened enforcement, and focused on protecting innocent Territorians and the results are clear.’
After lowering the age of criminal responsibility to 10 and the introduction of punitive bail laws, records show more than one per cent of Territorians are being imprisoned on any given day.
Nearly 90 per cent of those detained are Indigenous.
Finocchiaro’s tough stance has drawn criticism from political rivals, along with the United Nations and human rights activists, who have accused her of being heavy-handed.
