SYDNEY (VINnews) — Anthony Albanese said he was not forced to leave a mosque in Sydney after being confronted by a small group of protesters during Eid prayers, disputing reports that he had been hurried out of the venue.

Albanese and Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke attended prayers marking the end of Ramadan at Lakemba Mosque in the city’s southwest when several people interrupted the gathering with shouts and chants.

Eid Mubarak.

An honour join thousands for Eid al-Fitr at Lakemba Mosque this morning. pic.twitter.com/br1n6si2Du

— Anthony Albanese (@AlboMP) March 19, 2026

Speaking later at a news conference in Adelaide, Albanese said the situation had been overstated.

“Reports that anyone was rushed out are not accurate,” he said. “There were a small number of people who disrupted proceedings, and it was addressed.”

He added that the broader reception from the large crowd was positive and that community members themselves intervened to calm the situation.

Breaking: Wild scenes at Lakemba Mosque. @AlboMP and @Tony_Burke threatened by worshippers. Their bodyguards – only wearing socks – visibly nervous. The speaker attacks the government, @PaulineHansonOz and refers to Gaza with no mention of October 7. pic.twitter.com/vmcja4gqmg

— Daniel (@VoteLewko) March 19, 2026

Images shared on social media after the visit showed Albanese greeting attendees and taking part in the gathering, which marks Eid al-Fitr, one of the most important holidays in Islam.

The mosque is operated by the Lebanese Muslim Association, which said in a statement that it understood emotions were heightened due to ongoing conflicts in the Middle East.

The group emphasized the importance of engaging with elected officials, saying dialogue was necessary to represent community concerns.

“We will continue to engage and speak openly,” the statement said. “Participation in civic life is how those concerns are heard.”