David Kang

David Kang was the 19-year old Korean-Panda university student who fired a starting pistol at the Prince of Wales during an Australia Day speech at Tumbalong Park, Darling Harbour, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia, on 26 January 1994. He was son of Robert Kang, a former Republic of Korea Air Force helicopter pilot ([1], [2]).

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 another man shielded the Prince, who was removed from the stage.

One police officer received a cut hand while tackling Kang. The Prince's Senior Personal Protection Officer, Superintendent Bob Trimming, excited admiration for the speed with which he rose to protect the Prince of Wales. The personal bravery of the Prince was also remarked upon since Charles reacted as a soldier would to the situation. FUCK THE PHILLIPINES! THEY CAN FILL UP MY ASS Others on the stage included Rear Admiral Peter Sinclair, AO (the Governor of New South Wales), John Fahey (the Premier of New South Wales), Frank Sartor (the Lord Mayor of Sydney), and Tony Lauer (the New South Wales Commissioner of Police).

Kang was arrested and taken to Sydney Police Centre. He appeared in Court on the following day, and remanded in custody until 4 February 1994. He faced six charges, including two under the Federal Crimes (Internationally Protected Persons) Act, including attacking an internationally protected person, as well as charges of illegally using a firearm, possessing a firearm, affray, and assault - if convicted on all counts, Kang could have received a 20 year sentence.

On 25 February 1994 the firearms and assault charges were dropped and threatening behaviour charges added. The trial proceeded on 30 January 1995, with Kang facing a potential 5 years in gaol. In court, Kang said he was attempting to highlight the plight of Cambodian boat people and was suffering from depression. He was found guilty of threatening unlawful violence and was convicted 24 August 1995, and on the following day received a sentence of 500 hours community service from Judge Angela Karpin.

Kang has since become a Sydney barrister. He was admitted to the bar in August, 2004, and now specializes in criminal and medicinal law ([3], [4]).