Nathan Glover creates tactical group to protect anti-lockdown protesters from cops
A Mt Eliza man has started a makeshift tactical group to protect anti-lockdown protesters from cops. But the tradie claims his “highly trained” crew isn’t violent. SEE THE VIDEO
HS Coronavirus News
Don't miss out on the headlines from HS Coronavirus News. Followed categories will be added to My News.
A coronavirus sceptic has launched a makeshift security force to shield protesters from riot police in Melbourne.
Mt Eliza tradie Nathan Glover has launched ‘P.A.T.I.R’ - the protection and tactical incident response group - in response to police shutting down illegal anti-lockdown protests in Melbourne’s stage four lockdown.
Mr Glover, 43, has attended several lockdown protests and vows to continue to do so, despite already copping two hefty fines for disobeying stay at home orders.
He and his crew pad themselves up in protective gear, saying they are “there to take the heavy handed treatment” from police.
The protection includes helmets, motorcycle vests, chest plates, shin pads and body-worn cameras.
On video uploaded to social media, Mr Glover beats himself with a stick as he demonstrates the effectiveness of his protective wear.
The expanding group also boast about having a small fleet of drones at their disposal to monitor police activity.
“We are not a force that attacks in any way, our sole purpose is to protect protesters by passively putting our body’s in front of theirs and to protect the constitutional rights of all Victorians,” Mr Glover said.
“I’m offering myself, manhandle me - I’m padding up, I can handle it.
“If you need care, P.A.T.I.R will be there. Our guys are highly trained. We’re there for you guys to do what you do without getting messed up.
“I am not there to attack anyone, or fight anyone. If the police want to be brutal, I am there.”
Mr Glover has lost his side hustle as a musician as a result of the pandemic and says the government has “decimated” the state’s live music scene.
He says he doesn’t believe the coronavirus is as threatening as authorities say.
“The fact they say it is contagious, this doesn’t make any sense,” he said.
“It doesn’t transmit through contagion.
“To me, this is all crazy. The world is run by three year olds. Our whole government system needs a complete overhaul.
“The government has turned our beautiful city into a prison.”
Mr Glover is risking another $1652 fine for even non-aggressive involvement at protests.
One source said he was also placing his safety in jeopardy if he gets in the middle of clashes between militant demonstrators and riot police.
Victoria Police is bracing itself for weekly protests similar to the Queen Victoria market demonstration, though it is not clear where or when they will be held.
“The fixture isn’t out yet,” one officer quipped.
Some sources fear the gatherings will grow bigger as lockdown drags on and more “average” people are tempted to play a part.
One officer said COVID had changed policing in many ways, from running checkpoints to handling protests, and members took no joy from some of that work.
“You don’t join the police force to impose restrictions on the community,” the officer said.
MORE NEWS:
INJECTING ROOM WORKER DEALT DRUGS TO HELP ‘FRIENDS’