Sydney's US Consulate vandalised with sledgehammer, pro-Palestine graffiti

The US Consulate in North Sydney has been vandalised with a sledgehammer and red spray paint.

Police were called to Miller Street in North Sydney about 3am today to find glass window panels of the building damaged and sprayed with graffiti.

Photos from the scene show several holes in the front window as well as inverted triangles sprayed painted in red – a symbol sometimes used by pro-Palestine activists.

CCTV footage from outside the consulate shows a person wearing a dark-coloured hoodie with their face obscured carrying what appears to be a small sledgehammer, police said.

At a press conference this morning, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese urged for more “respectful political debate and discourse”.

“It’s not the Australian way. We should be able to have views – including on issues which are difficult,” he said.

Albanese said the situation in the Middle East was complex and reiterated calls to activists to “turn the heat down”.

“Measures such as painting the US Consulate do nothing to advance the cause of those who have committed what is, of course, a crime to damage property,” he said.

NSW Premier Chris Minns said the incident was a “reprehensible” criminal act.

“I don’t think it’s the kind of public debate the overwhelming majority of Australians

“It’s a kind of coarsening of the public debate that no one needs in Australia.

“We can make a point in this country without this sort of violent and malicious behaviour.”

Police are appealing for anyone in the area about this time who saw the incident, or who has dashcam or information relevant to the investigation, to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.