In a revelation that strikes at the heart of Australia's security establishment, the key lieutenant of notorious neo-Nazi leader Thomas Sewell has been exposed as the son of a serving police officer.
The undercover identity of Jacob Hersant, Sewell's second-in-command within the violent National Socialist Network, has been blown wide open, revealing his deep connections to law enforcement and his rapid ascent through the ranks of organised extremism.
From Police Family to Far-Right Leadership
Hersant, who has stood beside Sewell during multiple confrontations and police incidents, is the son of a high-ranking Victorian police officer. This connection raises alarming questions about the infiltration of extremist ideologies within influential families and institutions.
The young extremist's transformation from a police family background to a prominent figure in Australia's most dangerous far-right group represents one of the most concerning developments in modern Australian extremism.
A Pattern of Violence and Intimidation
Hersant has been directly involved in multiple incidents that have shocked the nation:
- Participated in the violent ambush of television news crews outside Melbourne County Court
- Engaged in coordinated intimidation tactics against political opponents
- Played a key role in the National Socialist Network's recruitment and organisation efforts
- Stood as Sewell's primary enforcer during public confrontations
Institutional Responses and Ongoing Concerns
Victoria Police has confirmed awareness of the situation but maintains that the officer father is not under investigation. However, security experts express deep concern about the potential for information leakage and the symbolic damage such connections cause to public trust.
The exposure comes amid growing anxiety about the sophistication and reach of far-right groups in Australia, particularly their ability to attract young members from diverse backgrounds, including those with connections to authority figures.
As authorities grapple with this emerging threat, the case of Jacob Hersant serves as a stark reminder that extremism can emerge from unexpected quarters, challenging conventional understandings of radicalisation and demanding renewed vigilance from security services and communities alike.
