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18 Arrested After Post-Riverfire Disturbance in Brisbane - Brisbane, QLD
Smart summary
Police arrested 18 people during Riverfire operations after a disturbance broke out in Brisbane’s Queen Street Mall following the fireworks.
Brisbane police have arrested 18 people following a series of incidents connected with crowds leaving the city after the Riverfire fireworks display on Sunday night, 6 September 2026.
The main disturbance occurred at approximately 8:45 PM in Queen Street Mall, as large numbers of people were making their way away from South Bank following the conclusion of the Riverfire celebrations. Police were already conducting a major operation across Brisbane to manage crowds, traffic and public safety during the event.
According to police, officers initially moved to arrest one man in the Queen Street Mall. Two other people allegedly intervened during the arrest, resulting in further police action.
A 17-year-old boy from Western Australia was subsequently tasered by police before being arrested. Police allege that the teenager attempted to prevent the initial arrest. He was charged with obstructing a police officer and public nuisance and was expected to appear in Brisbane Children's Court.
A 17-year-old girl from Morayfield was also arrested during the disturbance. She was charged with two counts of serious assault on a police officer and was also expected to appear before the Children's Court.
Police said no officers were injured during the incident.
The Queen Street Mall disturbance was part of a broader policing operation surrounding Riverfire, one of Brisbane's largest annual public events. Large crowds gathered throughout the city for the fireworks, with police maintaining a highly visible presence across transport areas, roads, public spaces and entertainment precincts.
In total, 18 people were arrested during the Riverfire operation. Police said the offences included public nuisance and drug-related offences. A further six people were issued move-on directions.
Acting Chief Superintendent Simon Tayler, the Riverfire Operations Commander for North Brisbane District, said police were generally pleased with the behaviour of the large crowd but warned that anti-social behaviour would not be tolerated.
The disturbance occurred after the main fireworks display had ended, when thousands of people were attempting to leave the South Bank area and return home. The combination of large crowds and movement through Brisbane's CBD created significant pressure on transport and public areas.
Police said their operation was designed to help ensure the safe movement of people following the event while responding quickly to incidents requiring intervention.
The arrests demonstrate the police response to behaviour considered to pose a risk to public safety during major events. Officers have continued investigating the circumstances surrounding individual incidents and may take further action where appropriate.
The allegations against the people charged have not been proven in court. Those charged are entitled to the presumption of innocence unless and until proven guilty.
The Riverfire operation has now moved into its post-event phase, with police continuing to review incidents and process the matters arising from the large-scale public gathering.
For Brisbane residents and visitors, the incident also highlights the importance of following police directions and maintaining appropriate behaviour when attending major public events. Police have reinforced that large crowds can be managed successfully when people follow safety instructions and avoid anti-social or confrontational behaviour.
The Queen Street Mall remains one of Brisbane's busiest pedestrian areas, and police presence is routinely increased during major city events to help manage crowd safety.
PoliceBrisbanePeopleDuringWere
Brisbane police have arrested 18 people following a series of incidents connected with crowds leaving the city after the Riverfire fireworks display on Sunday night, 6 September 2026.
The main disturbance occurred at approximately 8:45 PM in Queen Street Mall, as large numbers of people were making their way away from South Bank following the conclusion of the Riverfire celebrations. Police were already conducting a major operation across Brisbane to manage crowds, traffic and public safety during the event.
According to police, officers initially moved to arrest one man in the Queen Street Mall. Two other people allegedly intervened during the arrest, resulting in further police action.
A 17-year-old boy from Western Australia was subsequently tasered by police before being arrested. Police allege that the teenager attempted to prevent the initial arrest. He was charged with obstructing a police officer and public nuisance and was expected to appear in Brisbane Children's Court.
A 17-year-old girl from Morayfield was also arrested during the disturbance. She was charged with two counts of serious assault on a police officer and was also expected to appear before the Children's Court.
Police said no officers were injured during the incident.
The Queen Street Mall disturbance was part of a broader policing operation surrounding Riverfire, one of Brisbane's largest annual public events. Large crowds gathered throughout the city for the fireworks, with police maintaining a highly visible presence across transport areas, roads, public spaces and entertainment precincts.
In total, 18 people were arrested during the Riverfire operation. Police said the offences included public nuisance and drug-related offences. A further six people were issued move-on directions.
Acting Chief Superintendent Simon Tayler, the Riverfire Operations Commander for North Brisbane District, said police were generally pleased with the behaviour of the large crowd but warned that anti-social behaviour would not be tolerated.
The disturbance occurred after the main fireworks display had ended, when thousands of people were attempting to leave the South Bank area and return home. The combination of large crowds and movement through Brisbane's CBD created significant pressure on transport and public areas.
Police said their operation was designed to help ensure the safe movement of people following the event while responding quickly to incidents requiring intervention.
The arrests demonstrate the police response to behaviour considered to pose a risk to public safety during major events. Officers have continued investigating the circumstances surrounding individual incidents and may take further action where appropriate.
The allegations against the people charged have not been proven in court. Those charged are entitled to the presumption of innocence unless and until proven guilty.
The Riverfire operation has now moved into its post-event phase, with police continuing to review incidents and process the matters arising from the large-scale public gathering.
For Brisbane residents and visitors, the incident also highlights the importance of following police directions and maintaining appropriate behaviour when attending major public events. Police have reinforced that large crowds can be managed successfully when people follow safety instructions and avoid anti-social or confrontational behaviour.
The Queen Street Mall remains one of Brisbane's busiest pedestrian areas, and police presence is routinely increased during major city events to help manage crowd safety.
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