David Kang is an Australian barrister. In 1994, he fired two blank shots of a starting pistol at Charles, Prince of Wales in protest at the treatment of several hundred Cambodian asylum seekers held in detention camps in Australia.
In 1994, aged 23, 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 on 26 January 1994. 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. The Prince sustained no injuries and would next visit Sydney on 28 February 2005. One police officer received a cut hand while tackling Kang. Local police expressed admiration for the speed with which the Prince's Senior Personal Protection Officer, Superintendent Colin Trimming, rose to protect the Prince of Wales. The personal bravery of the Prince was also remarked upon by Ian Kiernan, saying that the prince was "cool as a cucumber". Others on the stage included Rear Admiral Peter Sinclair, AO, John Fahey, Frank Sartor, and Tony Lauer. Kang had been the second person to attack a royal in Sydney, after Irishman Henry James O'Farrell. 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 Act 1976 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. In court, Kang testified that he was suffering from depression and was protesting the plight of Cambodian refugees in Australia. 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 a form letter reply from the Prince. Kang was found guilty of threatening unlawful violence and sentenced to 500 hours of community service. 11 years after the event, 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" and "I have certainly moved on in my life. But I didn't have any intention to hurt anyone".
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 the NSW Bar Association remarking that he had "served his time", admitting him as a barrister in 2004. Kang currently practises as a barrister, specialising in criminal law, commercial and corporations law, equity, and medical negligence, at Ada Evans Chambers in Sydney.
Personal life
Kang is married with two children. His interests, as listed on his chambers website, include tennis, soccer, and swimming.
