Young Neo-Nazi performs Hitler salute on board busy Melbourne train

For the second time in days, a neo-Nazi has taken to Melbourne’s trains to perform the near-banned salute — only for the failure of a display to be ignored by commuters.

A baby-faced white supremacist has taken to a train packed with commuters to display the Nazi salute, little more than 24 hours after a group of neo-Nazis stormed Flinders St station.

The known member of the National Socialist Network reportedly performed the highly offensive gesture aboard the train on Sunday morning.

Aged in his early twenties, the young man is understood to be a constant at neo-Nazi protests across Melbourne, regularly opting to go without a face mask unlike fellow NSN members.

Many commuters did not engage with the man during the salute – set to be criminalised in Victoria under proposed legislation – and instead busied themselves on their phones.

A known neo-Nazi has been captured performing the near-banned salute onboard a busy Melbourne train. Picture: supplied

Those who intentionally display or perform a Nazi symbol or gesture in public will face fines of more than $23,000, 12 months’ jail or both, under legislation currently before parliament.

The Herald Sun understands the disturbing image first circulated on an encrypted messaging app used by members of the National Socialist Network, fronted by ringleader Thomas Sewell.

One X user known as Dr Kaz described the incident as “another Sunday morning” in Melbourne, likely in reference to a spate of recent displays by the group.

“Melbourne has become the neo-Nazi capital of the country and what they are trying to do is declare war on the migrant community,” Dr Kaz said.

Others were quick to slam the young man as a “f**kwit”.

A group of neo-Nazis have staged an impromptu demonstration in Melbourne’s CBD. Picture: Daily Mail

Dr Dvir Abramovich, Chair of the Anti-Defamation Commission, said it was “no wonder” Melbourne’s jewish community was fearful.

“What was unthinkable a few years ago is happening on our doorstep as these emboldened and angry neo-Nazis, who dream of an Aryan Australia, are openly intimidating Melbournians with their dangerous and threatening behaviour,” he said.

“This can’t stand.”

Dr Abramovich spearheaded the national campaign to ban the Nazi swastika and last January launched a campaign along with Holocaust survivors to criminalise the Nazi salute.

“Who could have imagined that in 2023, hardcore white supremacists would be walking on our trains, without fear of consequence, actively promoting their genocidal worldview with a well-orchestrated blitz of fear,” he said.

A group of neo-Nazis have staged an impromptu demonstration in Melbourne’s CBD. Picture: Telegram

It comes as about 25 neo-Nazis dressed in black took to the steps of Flinders St station about 1.30am Saturday, before performing the salute as they boarded a train surrounded by police.

Inside the train, the group proceeded to sing “The White Australia song” which included lyrics about defending “the white man’s lands” for “Anglo-Saxon race and Southern Cross”.

Premier Jacinta Allan was quick to condemn the behaviour, saying it did not reflect the views of Victorians, who stood with Jewish communities.

“We condemn this hateful and cowardly behaviour at all times – but it is particularly abhorrent at a time when our Jewish and Israeli communities are hurting and grieving,” she said.

“We will always stand against antisemitism, hatred and racism – we are making sure people who use these symbols and gestures to harass, intimidate and incite hate are held accountable.”