The Horrifying Port Arthur Massacre

Sunday 28th April 1996 began as any other for the residents of Port Arthur. As the coaches of tourists came into the town to visit the historic sites, shot began to ring out. As chaos ensued and people tried to work out what was happening, a tragedy was unfolding that would change Port Arthur and its people forever.
This episode was researched and written by Stephen J. Golds:
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Stephen is also an accomplished author, so please do check out his great work: www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B08K3M8W3...
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Many thanks to 369 Film Studio In Leicester for the use of their sets and space to film some of the stock footage that has been shown in this video.

[@Nat11884]

How could it have gotten so bad… and then you meet his mother…

[@jake12466]

​@@jorgen-55 Always?

[@KuniKarin01]

his father is to blame too

[@angetrappel2671]

Wow, you have met her? Or was it just through your tell lie Vision?

[@chrishutch2387]

So many parents are enabling their children and so many of these killings are down to poor parents.

[@user-nx9nm7tu4i]

Yes...she seems strange for sure

[@journalaway4753]

what kind of a dad thinks that it is a good idea to give your son a rifle to help him "come out of his shell"? and that mum.... utterly speechless about her

[@whitneyanders5945]

Basically half the dads in the US think like that. Anyhu, toxic masculinity- to get your male child to be ‘normal’ buy him a weapon of mass destruction.

[@robertban871]

its pretty sick hey

[@Rosco-P.Coldchain]

It’s the mum at the end who I found disturbing and instead of criticism she should shoulder the blame here..❤

[@barrengod2322]

What is even crazier is how he turned into a sniper with no training and caused this entire fiasco with precision shot after shot, from multiple angles also. Mind blowing!

[@Eleas967]

Recipe for disaster!! Sadly it seems this massacre was brewing starting here or even prior😢

[@chloegunter5159]

Throughout this video I kept wondering what happened to Martin? Why was he the way he was? Then his mother spoke at the end…the fact she doesn’t believe it was him that did these awful awful things, it speaks volumes. Imagine his childhood with a mother as oblivious as she.

[@DuendeTortuga]

They did mention he wasn't very smart and also a schizophrenic or psychopath, I think..

[@CourtneyTunbridge79]

She's a piece of work aye.... I picked he had Aspergers instantly from watching his police videos, with😢 all that what seems like laughing and weird ass comments, inability to give direct eye contant or to sit still, all signs of Aspergers, my brother has it too but guess what... he has never so much as hurt a fly much less committed mass murder, but the laughing thing he does when he is embarrassed or doesnt know how to respond or what to say, he just reverts to a laugh, its not a "haha" thats funny type laugh, he also doesnt make eye contact and says completely inappropriate responses or totally irrelevant responses but as i said, he's never hurt anyone, there is A LOT more wrong with Martin Bryant than Aspergers.

[@chloegunter5159]

⁠@@DuendeTortugayes they did mention those things. I just think the outcome of Martins life could have been very different if his mother was more aware of her child and his idiosyncrasies.

[@Christine005]

Every parent wants to protect their child. Given that Martin was a special needs child from the beginning and the lack of support for that time, I don't blame her or her husband for being as protective as they were/are.

[@KdotLINE]

@@Christine005 I think you mean delusional.

[@ameliathompson608]

I grew up on the peninsula where Port Arthur is. I was friends with Alana and Maddy and their mum was my Girl Guides leader. I was 9 when this happened and I'll never forget where I was or what i was doing the moment we found out something awful was happening in our small town. Or seeing my sister who was in the cafe working as a waitress when he started shooting, seeing that she was safe but had so much blood on her jeans and sneakers, theres no way to describe the feelings. I dont usually watch things to do with Port Arthur but since this is one of my favourite channels, i may have to.

[@belindaf8821]

I'm so sorry for your loss, especially in such horrific circumstances. really hope your sister got adequate support from mental health services after what she went through. I was a few years younger than you, and the news reports are one of my first memories. What happened to the Mikac family was beyond disgusting, for that alone Bryant should rot for eternity. I hope you have had support as well, I can't begin to imagine how you and your community suffered in the aftermath. I'm glad our country took the stand it did on gun control, so no more communities suffer that loss and grief. Hugs to you (and your sister!) from Sydney ❤

[@Ninja_chihuahua]

So so sorry that you experienced this - I didn’t know the Mikak family, but as a (now former) Tasmanian, I will never forget those two beautiful little girls - I think every Tasmanian’s heart was broken that day & there’s a part of us that can never heal.

[@angetrappel2671]

Did your sister identify Martin as the shooter? Did she help out Wendy Scurr?

[@ameliathompson608]

@angetrappel2671 i honestly dont know. I was only 9 at the time and my parents shielded me from it as much as possible. I know she saw it was him and identified him to mum (i overheard them talking) but i don't know anything her police report or anything like that. Its something we've never talked about and i really dont plan on talking about it with her unless its something she brings up. She understandably had alot of trauma resulting from it and its just not something i want her to revisit unless she wants to. I know she received a bravery medal at government house but thats it.

[@angetrappel2671]

@ameliathompson608 thank you for your response, your sister is very brave and deserves all the accolades that came her way.

[@cindyshirreffs2099]

19:56 Jason Winter was extremely brave. Hiding under a table, his wife sang the Barney theme song quietly to their son to try to keep him calm, and if it was to be the last thing he heard, it would be something nice in his Mum's voice. She heard her husband shout "No!", then he was killed. She thought MB was aiming toward her and the baby, but Jason distracted him.

[@juliahill7732]

His interviews with the police were chilling. What a horrific crime. RIP to all the victims 💔

[@belindaf8821]

I've read the excerpts before, but I'd never seen the footage. He's terrifying, and I can't imagine having to be the person in the room with him while he was doing that. Chilling is definitely the word for it!

[@TasHikingAdventures]

They barely showed the full version it's more of a eye opener to see the full uncut version

[@ShinyBubbbbles]

I turned this off twice because of how horrible this story is…when he killed the momma and her 2 babies was too much for me to handle. But I did finish it. You did a great job sharing a horrific story. You are my favorite true crime channel! You are always so respectful, thorough and I love the way you narrate.

[@gbanks4000]

When he was laughing about his actions during the interrogation almost did it for me. Just plain evil.

[@bellagiancola4952]

My husband was just walking to the kitchen to get something to drink when he heard this part of the story, and immediately told me that he got sick to his stomach.

[@charlesli6751]

Weak

[@clare1971]

@@charlesli6751and who are you to judge

[@loveforeignaccents]

@@clare1971 Sounds like a troll, so I wouldn't worry about it.

[@SerenDipity64711]

Why did no one put this child into a psychiatric unit?? Torturing animals, violent behaviour, setting himself on fire - it seems to me that his parents were delusional believing their son would grow out of it. As for his father giving him an air rifle knowing his son had all these problems, sounds absolutely unbelievable.

[@sivonni]

Those warning signs were only recently (last few decades) seen as warning signs for violent behavior. No one knew what to make of it back then, especially not in a small town at the bottom of the world.

[@mariajosemachadolima8610]

é uma família doente, não é por nada que esse cara é esse louco, com uma mãe dessas, a fruta não cai longe da árvore..ele é fruto de uma árvore podre..olha a cara dessa mulher..parece que fugiu do hospício..só ela visita esse lixo..quando morrer ele não vai ter mais nenhum idiota pra visitar ele..tá lá com cara de leitão, comendo as custas do contribuinte..pena que não mandaram ele pros quintos dos infernos na cadeia...

[@therestingrancor8259]

Even though the animal torture, violence & setting himself on fire were more recent, there were still 5+ years for appropriate mental health action to be taken. These actions were a desperate cry for help, even if Bryant himself wasn't aware of it. Nobody helped him, least of all his parents 😮

[@JennyBrie2006]

​@@sivonniIn 1987, the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Third Edition-Revised (DSM-III-R) incorporated animal cruelty as a diagnostic criterion for Conduct Disorder (CD) and Antisocial Personality Disorder

[@JennyBrie2006]

​@@sivonni maybe instead of guessing you should search for facts

[@alicefrancis1837]

I see where his craziness comes from, his mother is utterly delusional.

[@shlongdong1594]

deflection and denial at its finest

[@angetrappel2671]

Anyone who believes a man with the mental capacity of an 11year old, shot 19 people in the head in under 30 seconds needs to buy the big coat hanger bridge in Sydney I have for Sale!

[@NienkeJoe]

Is she? Maybe. But why? Is it because she is crazy or is it because the truth hurts so bad she cannot deal with it. It is easy to blame the parents. But they are also victims. Not seeing that is truly short sighted.

[@ImprovEyes-fc9fo]

They missed their chance at calling him the “Tasmanian Devil”

[@lktzu2821]

​@@NienkeJoe There are no excuses to support a murderous f*ck. Short sighted my ass. People like you will make any excuses for criminals and their families. Grow up.

[@slackira]

Clear signs of him being a psychopath showed much earlier. The mother still denies his doing. Monsters both of them!

[@josefstrudelowski]

Shut up

[@carlobelmont5629]

You got that right sadly😢

[@ArdinVincent]

The actions of the child are almost always reflective of the parents. Pretending it never happened is probably the only way she can sleep at night.

[@SatieSatie]

His mother no longer believes that he's innocent.

[@JohnSmith-bn7bl]

@@SatieSatie where is that ?

[@ashleemarie9939]

This event is why we have such strict gun laws in Australia. Everything changed after Port Arthur

[@sharpshooter_Aus]

Yep John Howard refused to allow Australia an American problem. His actual words too.

[@professionaltrollgirl2682]

BS. Australia is a Nazi camp. The rape stats have risen and most crimes are not even reported. IMAGINE IF ONE GOOD CITIZEN HAD A GUN TO SHOOT THIS BASTARD BEFORE HE MURDERED!!!

[@STdoubleDs]

And now Israel is a clear and firm example of why those infringements are nothing more than a means to control a brainless and reactionary population.

[@Kevin_Jones1]

And now only the cops and bad guys have guns

[@ChomoBidensMules]

​@@sharpshooter_AusJohn Howard is a eunuch

[@propertyofranger]

I was 10 years old when the shooting occurred, and it rocked the nation to its core. No Australian has ever forgotten the Port Arthur massacre and how it changed our society forever. The violence and senseless loss of life paved the way for the famous overhaul of our gun laws, which most Australians remain glad and supportive of even all these years later. The open air memorial at Port Arthur for the victims is beautiful. The stone walls of the Broad Arrow Cafe remain standing but without a roof, and standing in that space is a deeply moving experience that stays with you long after you leave. The memorial is screened by trees and shrubs and seems to have a heavy, muted atmosphere hanging over the space. You can feel the weight of memories and grief pressing down on you. The reflection pool is a peaceful, somber area where the names of the victims are carved into the stones, along with poems of remembrance and comfort. People still leave flowers at the large cross in the memorial, and I too put down flowers on my last visit. There is an inscription that I always appreciated at the site, “Death has taken its toll, Some pain knows no release. But the knowledge of brave compassion, Shines like a pool of peace.”

[@tinahartnett4918]

I have watched a few different true crime shows/channels about this horrible tragedy in Port Arthur. You are the first one to show footage of Martin being questioned by the police, which was very interesting to see his demeanor. Thank you for another great job. You ladies are top-notch for sure. ❤

[@cindyshirreffs2099]

I understood there was a media blackout for 30 yrs so interviews with Martin are rare.

[@Alaryicjude]

Not the first bc I've seen them before

[@tinahartnett4918]

@@Alaryicjude I didn't say the footage was never released. I said it was the first time I saw the footage based on the previous true crime shows I've watched in the case.

[@belindaf8821]

@@tinahartnett4918 It's the first time I've seen them too. I've read transcripts, but I'd never seen the footage. That police officer was barely holding herself together, and I don't blame her. I can't imagine what it would be like sitting there and seeing him act that way after what he did.

[@herstoryanimated]

It's interesting in a way, to watch him say the words he thinks they want to hear, that he thinks will make him seem 'normal', whilst showing entirely inappropriate body language and tone.

[@jayr1598]

I’m pretty sure when he shot at cars in his teens & when both Helen & his dad died suspiciously, reports had been made repeatedly by the public but were ignored by the law enforcement. I’m enraged that actions are always only taken when things ended up like this

[@tomtheconqerur]

Its almost as if mental health is what causes tragedies as this. Politicians rather than face the difficult challenge of mental health, instead went after the rights of law abiding citizens like opportunistic snakes they are. They let this happen so they can have an excuse to make themselves feel more safe, not the people.

[@c.a.greene8395]

Unless the kid admitted to killing the parents, or any one else or was caught red handed, the police can not act on hearsay😊

[@santyclause8034]

There is some pretty unreal negligence going on at several levels here. No juvenile offender records? No revocation of air rifle privileges, wtf? The guy was a timebomb at this point.

[@kwlee4190]

Thank you for your sensitive coverage of this tragedy. I'm a Tasmanian and was 11 when this happened and I'll never forget the horror and grief this event brought to our community. I had to think hard about watching this video as after the initial news coverage, most reporting has rightfully been about remembering the victims and supporting emergency services personnel and community members affected. There were things in this video I never knew, and as someone who watches a lot of crime videos to try and make sense of the world, those bits of information helped provide a little bit more understanding of why this awful human did what he did. I never knew about his connection to the area for example, or his childhood. Port Arthur is a beautiful part of our state but I don't think that beauty will ever feel free of the sadness from this massacre and it's penal colony history. It's palpable ❤️

[@andreagriffiths3512]

21:46 you’ve not been forgotten, Sarah. The Arboretum in FTG/Boronia has a section dedicated to you and I think about you every time I go there. You were in the same year as my youngest brother (at the same school) and I often wonder how your life would have turned out every time my brother reaches a milestone or life goal.💔

[@sockmonkeyjg]

The mothers delusion is astounding....

[@davidhermann8639]

When listening to the rather bizarre statement of his Mom one can simply assess: "Crazy" runs in the family.

[@sketchyartydoll]

Absolutely love the amount of work that goes into these videos. The respect you show the victims is beyond words. No gimmicks, thoughtful, clear detailed and to the point. Keep up with the good work ladies

[@kristyarnol6812]

I live 45 minutes away from Port Arthur and knew 3 people that died that day. Such a devastating time for Tasmania and Australia 😢

[@KackieJennedy]

Wow wow wow! I've seen different channels cover this case, but this one is just uncompareable. Very detailed, very deep - full of new information I've never heard before. As awful the case is, I congratulate you two💜 Excellent job

[@loveforeignaccents]

Another person actually had written this script for them, per the dropdown description box, so he certainly deserves props! Of course the visuals and narration are always on point by these two ladies!!

[@badcommentbot8349]

Martina loloina toltina

[@lyn7309]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/j4qpnJuulNp_qrssi=TqrtM9qd5OGsO6dg

[@lyn7309]

you can see it unfold in dots here and holds a lot of detail too

[@debbiecharles7912]

Thankyou for covering this. I live in Australia and clearly remember this happening and I have been to the Port Arthur site 3 times. The memorial they have there is very respectful and chilling at the same time, honouring the victims and pointedly never once mentioning Martin’s name, always referring to him as “the gunman”, therefore not glorifying him and focusing on his victims which are all named. I have never seen the police footage of him, nor the horrid mother’s comments. No wonder he is like he is. The gun buyback scheme and strict gun laws implemented after this tragedy have been very successful and I was sceptical of its effectiveness at the time, but now praise John Howard for doing this as it was the right thing to do. No wonder so many Australians shake their head at America’s response to mass shootings, which is to arm more people instead of stricter gun laws. Thanks for the great job in covering this and RIP to the victims…..absolutely horrifying 🥲

[@wazopaio]

As an American, I can fully agree with your sentiment of us. I graduated nearly a decade ago. My brother is in his senior year. We live in a particularly rough neighborhood and every single day, I pray no one at his school loses their shit because no one in this town is prepared for it.

[@jedgrahek1426]

I had heard this event referenced with regard to our deplorable gun laws and discourse/Overton Window in the US, but watching this was the first time I really learned about it in detail and context. And I suppose it's no surprise that this is never talked about by mainstream media or politicians here, as it's such a clear example of how making assault rifles and the like readily available to a population bound to contain a handful of crazy people is simply asking for these kinds of things to happen, inevitably... and how effective it actually is to ban further sale, regardless of how many guns are around already. Nearly every one of the mass shootings we have here, the guy bought the gun new himself... it's so blindingly obvious. And yet we let it happen over and over, and the politicians are little better than that delusional mother at the end, and half the idiots on the street truly believe there's some danger of "the government coming to take our guns". It is a maddening situation for all of us with common sense and a sincere interest in the public good. Australians can be extremely proud of being the adults in the room on this issue.

[@szybake9629]

His father’s death NOT suspicious? C’mon. I’m surprised he was able to buy guns with his psychological history.

[@kathryncumberland]

It's not suspicious because it was clearly a suicide.

[@indiabilly]

His father’s death and Helen’s death seem very suspicious to me as well

[@kathryncumberland]

@@indiabilly Helen said he consistently grabbed the wheel while she was driving and had even wrecked a couple of her vehicles that way. So I'm sure her death was caused by this. But with the dad, it sounds like he'd just had enough - between his son's issues and losing the property he wanted, he just couldn't take anymore.

[@cashewisnotanut4409]

It was the 90’s and Tasmania.. if you have been to Tassie you would understand. But this was the reason for our changed gun laws but don’t let that fool you We actually have more guns now than before the buy back ( the guns are just illegal now) I should edit my comment… Some guns are owned illegally.

[@loveforeignaccents]

@@cashewisnotanut4409 I figured as much. I just left a comment that there would be no way to abolish all firearms or to take them away from people who had already been in possession of them.

[@cynthiagilchristaussie_tru8891]

I am an Australian 🇦🇺 I haven't been back to Tasmania for about 30yrs. My family and i had lunch at the Cafe. I am going in a few weeks and am visiting Port Arthur again. I will pay my respects 🙏 Thank you for your very good reporting on this tragedy.

[@rogeh5687]

I’ll never forget. My parents were really upset that night and I didn’t know why. The next day at school, we were told and we spent the morning painting tributes. My dad gave up both his guns after this. I’m so grateful for the buy back scheme.

[@jamiemetcalfe7945]

I've heard this case many times and as much as I didn't want to yet again become reacquainted with this creep, I knew you two wouldn't have covered it if you didn't have a deeper understanding to impart. Wow. You really delivered! I actually felt bad for Martin as a child, chastened to realize that once seemed unlikely. Thank you.

[@Presca1]

This is the biggest reason that things like this happen - people who have deep seated mental issues and family or others do nothing to truly help them. Shame on his mother, she brought him to this point frankly. Well done *sarcasm*

[@dianeshannon7988]

Maybe but he committed the murders she didn't pull the trigger but defending him us delusion

[@CW-rx2js]

​@@dianeshannon7988not really...she is right. The parents should've gotten him more help

[@variabell3326]

When I was a little kid, we went on a family holiday to Port Arthur. We went to the café for lunch. We left before the shooting started. We heard initial reports on the radio. I've never forgotten it, never been back since, and never been able to shake the intense dread and guilt and lizard-brain fear that still comes with thinking about it. Obviously, I can't speak on behalf of those whose loved ones were taken that day, but from one stranger to another, thank you for telling this story with such care, for honouring those lost and left behind, and not turning the terror and grief into gore porn. It was healing.

[@kathryncumberland]

When the nurse said that nobody except soldiers had seen something like that, I couldn't help but think, "And in America, children." No other country in the world places a piece of property over the lives of children, and life in general.

[@richosborne1971]

You don’t even know what you’re talking about.

[@kathryncumberland]

@@richosborne1971 I'm an American with kids in American schools who have to go through monthly lockdown drills and active shooter drills and there was a shooting at my high school (a month to the day after Columbine) when I was a junior. I have friends in Canada, Europe, Asia, and Australia who agree that America's refusal to enact even the most basic gun control is absolutely insane. What would you say would qualify me or what credentials do I need to be allowed to state my opinion in the comments section?

[@richosborne1971]

@@kathryncumberland I’m not interested in what your friends from other countries think, none of you have the guts to discuss who is committing 90% of mass shootings in this country and why. Let me know when you are.

[@lisapop5219]

​@@richosborne1971agreed. The government doesn't consider those mass shootings even though they fit the definition. That way they can keep the public believing the narrative

[@sharpshooter_Aus]

@@richosborne1971It’s funny that you think that argument makes it look any better but guess what, those people you claim cause 90% don’t shoot up schools, don’t shoot up super markets, don’t shoot up night clubs, don’t shoot up churches they just shoot up the block, those nearly 500 mass shootings this year alone aren’t committing by gang bangers mate. Amend your amendment.

[@jhajha267]

He got the crazy from his mom. She knew he needed help for god sakes he lit hisself on fire as a child and was killing animals.. he should of gotten the help he needed. His mom is in denial. Such a sad case

[@loveforeignaccents]

Well, wouldn't it have been both parents' responsibility to have gotten him help as a child? Why are you just blaming the mom?

[@jhajha267]

@@loveforeignaccents the mom said at the end that she didn’t believe her son commited the massacre.

[@loveforeignaccents]

@@jhajha267 Sorry, but how does your reply answer my question?

[@angetrappel2671]

​@@jhajha267because he didn't!

[@NatureLover-62]

Thank you for you never ending compassion to your craft. I adore your channel and your ability to provide fully researched, informative, honest but most importantly your compassion. Please know that you are a wonderfully talented, brilliant and passionate woman whose work is not taken for granted and I appreciate every one of your videos and the stories you choose to share. Take care and always be safe

[@twinny555]

There are two of them. Sisters.

[@gavinshaw6732]

Well researched, incredible narration and my now favourite version of this hectic story. Well done!

[@DMR1010]

Absolute class production, so professional. Thank you

[@Downunder_Son]

Definitely one of the better amateur true crime presentations of the many I've watched, well researched and presented without sensationalism. Well done! 👍👏

[@amymac8998]

I had never heard about this awful tragedy before so thanks for highlighting it. So many red flags appear to have been missed with this guy whilst growing up but back then specialist weren't as available or aware of diagnosis of mental health conditions. Your video genuinely moved me to tears but then when I saw the mother's interview I was overcome with disbelief and anger, her words were unbelievable! I know a mother's love is strong and mostly unconditional but hers is indescribable. Instead of having empathy for his victims she is denying he did it ....sickening!! Perhaps a mother like that explains more than we will ever know, even when it comes to the tragic death of his father. My sorrow lies with all the victims and their loved ones, I doubt time would ever heal the pain .Thank you for a wonderful, emotional video, wonderful work and insight as ever ❤

[@kimmeilink3916]

His Mother…..?! Nuts as wel 😖

[@Yofra2002]

Bat shit crazy, the apple doesn’t fell far from the tree.

[@divinedevil]

Martin's condition could be hereditary...a short excerpt of the interview with his mother gave me this thought

[@frankwoods4179]

Perhaps but that does not prove he was the shooter or that is mother is wrong. The simple solution that everyone wants to avoid discussing is the total lack of publicly available forensic evidence that proves beyond doubt that Bryant was the shooter.🕵👋

[@divinedevil]

@@frankwoods4179 same family? 😂

[@frankwoods4179]

@@divinedevil It does not matter. Bryant had been diagnosed since childhood as having problems and whether it was hereditary or not makes no difference and does not prove him to be the shooter. I suggest doing a little real research rather than taking a short excerpt from a YT video.

[@D-me-dream-smp]

@@frankwoods4179”research” just like the “research” you’ve done I suppose. I’m pretty sure he wasn’t convicted based on this KZbin video plus there were also many witnesses to this horrific incident or are you going to suggest they were all simply “paid actors”?

[@frankwoods4179]

@@D-me-dream-smp Clearly you have done nothing but look at this video as your ‘research’. The shooter sat and ate a meal at the cafe leaving the meal tray, utensils, drink can (Solo) and cup, a large sports bag containing a large knife wrapped in a towel, some rope and other undisclosed item. He also left a video camera and camera bag and a discarded, empty 30 round AR15 magazine near the cafe servery (Court records confirm). Despite all these items witnessed to be handled by and in the possession of the shooter there is NO FORENSIC EVIDENCE OF ANY KIND in the public domain or the court records that identify Bryant as the shooter. DNA allegedly lifted from the knife in the sports bag identified Mr David Martin of the Seascape Lodge but not one finger-print, fibre, hair or DNA sample or anything else identified Bryant. Both firearms allegedly used during the shooting were damaged beyond ballistic identification and surprisingly both firearms were found outside the burnt-out Seascape Lodge, the location of the siege with the Colt AR15 suffering some fire damage to the synthetic sling. The AR15 also suffered a catastrophic failure, kin to a destruction round or charge, that would have caused injury to the operator (police photos and description). Bryant displayed no such injuries. The other firearm allegedly used was a Browning FN FAL in .308. Bryant admitted to owning three firearms, an AR15, an AR10 and a Daewoo 12ga tactical shotgun. He aways denied knowledge of the Browning and there is nothing in the police or court records or the public domain that proves any link between Bryant and the Browning. The police allege that Bryant purchased the Browning through a newspaper advertisement but they have never publicly produced any proof of the advertisement, who placed it or who paid for it. The AR15 was identified from a gunsmiths mark on the barrel by its’ previous owner who had handed that firearm into the Victorian State Police some years earlier. The identification process was undertaken using photos only, no physical line-up occurred. On the morning of 30 April 1996, two days after the shooting Bryant’s colour photo and details appeared in the local and national press. Bryant was not formally charged with one count of murder, that of Kate Scott, until later that same day and before most, if not all, of the hundreds of witness statements had been taken. This colour photograph had been stolen from Bryant’s large two-storey home while it was under police guard. The publication of Bryant’s photo and details severely corrupted the identification process. There is an ABC (Australia) program on the ’net (Media Watch) devoted to this topic. Following the shooting of Mrs Mikac and the two children the shooter proceeded to the toll-booth. Immediately prior to those shootings two vehicles had entered the site at Port Arthur, one a gold coloured BMW and the other red Holden Commodore. Both cars having immediately been warned by an "unidentified elderly man” of the presence of the shooter returned to the toll-booth. The red Holden stopped opposite the entry toll-booth on the left hand verge of the exit lane with the occupants (the Buckley’s) alighting from that vehicle to seek information from the toll-booth operator Mrs Kingston. Meanwhile the gold BMW with four occupants stopped just past the toll-booth partially blocking the entry lane. As the Buckley’s spoke to Mrs Kingston they witnessed the shooting of Mrs Mikac and one of the two little girls and upon seeing this they fled on foot down the road past the toll-booth and the BMW to be picked up by another vehicle being containing the Mr and Mrs Edwards who were also fleeing the site. According to the official story the four occupants of the BMW simply sat and waited for the yellow Volvo driven by the shooter to appear. Seemingly the BMW four were unperturbed by the six shots fired from the AR15 only 50-60 metres from the toll-booth (the three Mikacs) and the terrified Buckleys fleeing past them. Allegedly the yellow Volvo approached and stopped just to the rear of the BMW but on the opposite side of the road. At this point according to the official story Robert Salzmann, a passenger in the BMW alighted from that vehicle and approached the shooter in the yellow Volvo. They argued, the shooter went to the rear of the Volvo, produced a long-arm (the Browning) and shot Salzmann in the upper chest at point blank range. According to the official story Jim Pollard, the driver of the BMW then alights from the BMW to verbally confront the shooter only to be promptly shot. Then the shooter is alleged to have shot Helene Salzmann and Mary-Rose Nixon, both passengers in the BMW before transferring firearms, ammunition and petrol from the Volvo to the BMW. Salzmann seemed to be totally unfazed by sounds of the nearby shooting of the Mikac’s, the fleeing Buckleys and the bodies of Mrs Mikac and one of the little girls that were clearly visible on the roadway from the position of the Volvo only 50-70 metres away (Coroner’s finding and police photos confirm). The official story of this event is contradicted by the witness statement attributed to Nicholas Cheok who was a passenger in a car driven by his mother Frida and only metres away at the time. Cheok states categorically that when he arrived at the toll-booth he saw people fitting the descriptions of both Robert and Helene Salzmann sitting in the Volvo with the shooter. Helene in the front passenger seat and Robert in the rear. Cheok says that the person fitting the description of Robert Salzmann alighted from the rear seat of the Volvo and argued with the driver who then went to the rear of the Volvo, produced a long-arm and shot Salzmann. This highly contradictory witness statement appears to have been dismissed by the police, the prosecution, the judge, the media, Bryant’s ‘lawyer’ and most published authors on this subject. There was no trial in this case because Bryant’s lawyer John Avery had ‘convinced' Bryant to change his plea to guilty despite Bryant who was mentally impaired with an IQ of 66 pleading not guilty for five and a half months and up until Avery became his new lawyer in early October 1996. We now know from the records of the Australian Parliament (2018) that the Prime Minister at the time ordered the termination of Coronial Inquiry and the suppression of evidence. We know that there was no trial, no coronial inquiry and no forensic evidence identifying Bryant as the perpetrator. These are just some of the many anomalies in this case. I await your ‘research’.

[@danaodriscoll9261]

He is not right in the head. Someone like him should never have had a gun. Those poor babies and people ❤❤❤

[@loveforeignaccents]

And the one he bought from an ad in the paper... like WTH?!?

[@ryanwillis2513]

So babies aren’t people?

[@thomo74]

Very well made. Thank you for the delicate way you’ve dissected this tragedy.

[@robctas]

I was in a share house in Geeveston with friends from the mainland. I remember the phone going crazy with concerned families that afternoon. Never forget walking through Hobart on Monday, heads bowed, nobody made eye contact.

[@FernNicLaren]

My dad was working in the Police Academy at the time as a utility officer and was directed to go down and help cart bodies back for identification. I’ve never watched a documentary on this, because it’s so close to home.

[@thehangingparsiple5692]

Another well produced video, thank you. My prayers for the 35 slain and the 25 injured 🙏🕯️

[@cathygill9115]

Martin’s mother is totally delusional in my opinion. Those poor people, just enjoying a day out. So sad.

[@angetrappel2671]

You know her then ? Imagine judging someone you have never met, by what you have seen on the tell lie Vision 🙄

[@KimMarshall44]

The pain and heartbreak. 😭💔 Pray for comfort to all affected. Peace be still. 🤍🙏🏽

[@mandross]

The parents had no support while he was growing up,he was mentally ill. Such a tragic story. R.I.P to all the victims. Thx tc 💐

[@Claudia-es8jv]

I’m from Tasmania so this one hits close to home, it’s still such a painful event in the state’s history even after all this time. It’s an incredible place to visit though, and the memorial is a beautiful place to sit and take it all in / think.

[@David-tg8vc]

There’s so many terrible crimes. I’ve wondered why exactly it’s this one that is so disturbing.

[@Ninja_chihuahua]

I’m a former Tasmanian - I’ve never returned to Port Arthur, I don’t know if I ever could 😢

[@LeonBlue]

I’ve just realised my subscription to your channel was removed? I waited every week for your uploads but can see I was unsubscribed form your channel without my consent. Never had this happen before. I’ve been wondering for over 2 weeks why I haven’t seen any of your content showing up on my feed. You are one of my favourite true crime channels! I love the work you and your sister do producing this fantastic content, and I’ve wanted to say for a long, long time that you are an amazing narrator. Perfect tone and manner with a genuine level of empathy and always professionally. I’ve “re-subscribed” now so I should get your content on a regular basis again. Has anyone else experienced being unsubscribed from a channel you love without you choosing to unsubscribe ? Great work (Truly Criminal) I will be making sure to check in on a regular basis to make sure KZbin doesn’t unsubscribe me. Especially because this is one of my favourite channels. Keep up the great work lasses! This Geordie lad loves your work and I’ve got my family all over Newcastle 🇬🇧 subscribed and shared your videos. My top UK true crime channel 💯

[@societaljokester8823]

This was and is a tremendously horrific and evil event. There is absolutely no reason why Martin should not have been put to death. Then on top of that, for his mother to sit there and defend him, knowing damn well he committed this evil act is plain disgusting. I'm a father of two and I completely understand a parents love for their children, but I could never defend an act this evil if one of them was to do it. It's just disgusting.

[@loveforeignaccents]

Well, if they didn't have the DP at the time, that would surely be reason enough.

[@michelleelliot2068]

because we are better than him; he yearns for the release of death and he will be denied that and die ln a cage like the filthy animal he is

[@jucat60]

We do not have the death penalty in Tasmania or Australia.

[@jodyreasonFar-Que]

He probably would have got death if we had the d ath penalty

[@lktzu2821]

His mother's actions are enraging. The gall of that cow to sit there and defend this monstrous being while so many families lost their loved ones is astounding. She needs a few decks to the face.

[@mangojuice8038]

Thanks for sharing.

[@JetBazooka21]

Congratulations on 600k subs 👊

[@kaz3d]

I always get this uneasy feeling, a negative, dark and disconsolate energy lingering about every time I step into what's left of the Cafe at Port Arthur. May the innocent souls find rest.

[@dietdrpepper15]

Whoa this mom needs a reality check. You can LOVE someone and still KNOW they committed a crime and should be held accountable.

[@DuendeTortuga]

Oh, I've seen this case before but there's so much to the case than others have shown, very interesting, thank you! also, how come the mother be in such denial? (but then again, it is her son, and well, love blinds us sometimes)

[@jonathanward1585]

The mother can’t be serious.. some parents are in absolutely denial and believe their child could do no wrong. I never understood that, it’s clear as day he did it there’s no doubt he was the cowardly monster that did this horrible evil act.

[@lizzwilliams6022]

This was horrible. I remember the first time I heard this one. I couldn't imagine smh

[@grayfox1471]

No evidence other than videos of his vehicle, descriptions of the assailant, and dozens of witnesses? Quite the enabler he has.

[@brendashenda4249]

Anyone know anything about a second volvo with a surfboard? Also, why are records sealed?

[@Him_He_Me]

Fantastic research done. lm Australian and havent seen the history of Martin. Him being banned from that cafe for shooting at passing cars is a bit damning. l thank god for Prime Minister Howard that put a ban on owning repeater firing weapons. Glad we had the sense enough to stop what could have been another America. Shootings left right and centre and still screaming about gun rights. lts insane. lts like a captain going down with his ship, but the passengers are the ones that suffer. RIP to all those that died that horrific day. Thank you for the hard work done in this video.

[@saraha86]

I’m Tasmanian and was is primary school when this happened. I visit Port Arthur regularly. Thank you for covering this case.

[@volcano83]

I remember following this on TV when I was 12, and seeing this again now it still affects me the same way. Some things are so horrific they are frozen in time.

[@gedhoughton9523]

These killers infuriate me. No remorse what so ever and have disgusted a nation. I'd rather give them karma and give them punishment the exact same way they took others lives.

[@wilderwentzel2662]

This case always unnerved and sickened me. I could relate to him as a child. I struggled as an autistic kid, and no one gave a shit. Not my family, not my teachers. In fact i was bullied and abused. At some point I gave in and became as mean and cruel as I could be. And then I don't know why, one day I didn't want to be mean anymore. I wanted to be nice. I wanted to make people happy. I wanted to be a positive source, not negative. And I feel like that's what happened to Martin, he just gave in. He wasn't stupid or slow or whatever people were saying. He lied. Over and over again. He planned this. He made remarks about getting the estate after those closest to him died. He wasn't stupid. I feel like no one cared, so they just said he's crazy and stupid and his family was too scared and blind to actually help him. My family was the same. As a kid I once told my mom I think I hear voices in my head, and my mother screamed at me if she needed to take me to a mental institution. I cried and said no. This case freaks me out because it was handled so wrong, and there's so many gaps. He wasn't crazy, yes he had struggles, but he wasn't crazy and he wasn't stupid. That's what concerns me, especially because other people often see these cases and just go oh yeah they were crazy, so wild how some people are just crazy. Not only is it ableist, it's just ignorant.

[@wilderwentzel2662]

I also had horrible mood swings as a kid, and felt hopeless and out of control. I'd try to explain that I'm not in control and I'm ashamed and scared, but my family wouldn't believe me. Everyone always says you can't blame your mental illness, but what do you do when you don't know what is causing this or how to treat it, and everyone says it's your fault and you should just be able to control yourself? At the age of 24, I was diagnosed with OCD, major depression, cptsd, and most importantly, pmdd. The pmdd and cptsd were so important to help me help myself with my symptoms. If you don't know, you can't help. The way he smiles and enjoys toying with people, it sucks but he reminds me of my brother. My brother would fuck around and find out, breaking things, breaking others things, and lying about it. He was full of himself, to the extent that he tried to park my mother's car at the age of 12 because he thought he could do it. He would bully me to the extent that eventually my own parents would be like hey what the fuck man why are you literally bullying your older sister??? For me, it was the classic narc family, my mother the narc, the father the enabler, my brother the golden child, and me the scapegoat. Even though my brother would break things and be horrible and full of himself, my mother would look past it. But if I did even the smallest thing, I'm the devil. It never made sense and I felt crazy. It only clicked when I read psychology textbooks and found out about narcissistic families. Anyway I'm sorry for all this, but this case just really gets under my skin. And I try to always understand, especially when I find myself struggling to. And often the easiest way for a person to understand is through their personal experiences.

[@analilla]

Imagine running away from a mass murderer and ending up right in front of his path. The horror they must have felt. That poor mother and her two angels. Rest in peace to all the victims.

[@Paranormalfan_24]

Such an horrific crime. RIP to all the people who lost their lives that day and sad that people’s lives were destroyed because of this senseless act. The way he laughed while being questioned just goes to show what a monster he is and had no remorse whatsoever 😢

[@frenchy1987]

Wow this is a hard one, im so angry at this man and so extremely sorry to all the victims and their families! Evil pos

[@mandurahmum123]

Can't watch this, it still makes me cry

[@mariolab2891]

I remember this so clearly. Even as a child I was so devastated, the whole country was. We visited the site which is still there as a memorial with all the names of the victims. The energy there is so powerful and haunting. So many people stood there crying, it’s terribly chilling.

[@Thermalburn]

this was the most preventable crime I've ever heard of

[@paulfri1569]

Yes 👍

[@helenpaton4245]

I recall this day cemented in detail as if it was yesterday. A gloriously beautiful day that turned dreadful. Very personal, horrific. RIP, especially Alannah and Madeleine Mikac, beautiful babies, similar ages as my own daughters, now spectacular young women. xxx

[@felicitysummers9140]

As a Tasmanian I was in total shock when the news broke of this dreadful event, it just did not seem true. Just so very sad of the huge loss of life and the amount of wounded was just again so very very sad, one’s heart went out to them .

[@Cailey_forman]

Every year at my school awards night, a mother of a girl who was severely injured by the attack (left with I believe 6 bullets in her back that have caused severe pain) comes to testify about her daughters story. This was a disgusting tragedy that should’ve never happened. It shocked Australia, and even though I wasn’t alive for it, seeing the testimonies of someone who went through it makes it feel much more real.

[@PatTurcotte-xe2jw]

35 life sentences plus 1652 years? That must have one of 4 possible reasons..... Number 1- he's in incredibly good shape Number 2-they are going to imprison 34 other people Number 3-they believe in reincarnation and will put the next him in jail when he's reborn Number 4-The legal system is insane.

[@Rose_J]

I lived in Australia at this time, and it brought the country to its knees. It only took one massacre for the Australian government to enact severe gun control laws. Take note, America. How many massacres does it take for you to do the same?

[@SuperMissblueeyes]

I agree. I'm from the UK & my sister, brother-in-law & nieces live in Texas. My worst fear is that one day, we get that dreaded phone call from my sister or brother-in-law to say something awful has happened to one or both of my nieces at school! If that day ever comes (I pray it doesn't ever happen again in the US to any child & their family) I will hold the US government just as responsible for allowing & enabling people to arm themselves to the teeth if they so choose. How many innocent children & teachers need to die before the US government takes control?! I've already had terrorists in Pakistan almost kill one of the awesome children I used to babysit here in the UK! Their parents took them out for missionary work & they came on the first plane back to the UK after it happened. But no child should ever go through that!

[@ChomoBidensMules]

Yes Australians are pansies, we know.

[@thvmr1815]

*North America

[@ChomoBidensMules]

Mexico and Brazil have very strict gun laws, yet they have way more violent crime than the US.

[@SuperMissblueeyes]

@@ChomoBidensMulesI don't have any kids of my own. I can't have kids for medical reasons.

[@carlyblack5345]

Love this channel ❤

[@dannijohn5041]

Oh my god. The way he behaved in that interview… I am completely speechless. How? Howwwww is that real

[@AnnQlder]

This is the best overview of the port Arthur massacre I’ve ever seen

[@archiesshowtell8094]

I was in high school when this happened only 30 mins away from Port Arthur. Martin lived down the road from the school and was known in the area & he lived next door to my best friend. He began an obsession with her sister and it was so unnerving for them that her mother had to ask him to stop spying over the fence. What he did effected everyone in the country but particularly us locals as Hobart and the surrounding areas are small compared the the rest of the country & everyone knows everyone. Everyone had a connection to the massacre whether it be a victim, worker or one of the first responders.

[@Ninja_chihuahua]

Oh god! That brings back some serious personal traumas- his family home was next door to my grandparents house - he was several years older that my sister & I & used to watch us playing over the fence- it reached a point where we were so scared of him that if we were playing in grandma’s backyard & he showed up, we’d head back inside & play in the sunroom instead!

[@gwendee5070]

His mother not all there to be honest, the father must of had a lot on his plate with the both of them.

[@andymcneil7085]

Great post. The human mind is the sickest organ I have ever known. It has the potential to do good but so often does not.

[@ashlea2649]

Gosh I remember when this happened. And the piles of guns people handed in straight away so it never happens again. 🇦🇺

[@lauralei6963]

That’s crazy. People need to be able to defend themselves.

[@KingKong_CH]

People don't need guns to defend themselves, except Americans.

[@lauralei6963]

@@KingKong_CH Yeh ok🙄

[@loveforeignaccents]

@@KingKong_CH I'm sure the JEwi$h people certainly could have used some guns to defend themselves against the N@ZiS.

[@sharpshooter_Aus]

@@lauralei6963We manage to defend ourselves quite well without assault rifles and shit thank you mate, you’re more than welcome to come try and break into my house and see how you fair. Considering all violent crime dropped drastically after the gun reform, considering we’ve had only one mass shouting since and that was a gangs club house being shot up so who cares really I think our country is in a much better state than yours.

[@annamarielewis7078]

He is loving all this attention from the police. Laughing and smiling, asking how many were injured. He’s a total sociopath. Locked up for life. But it’s Australia so he’ll probably get a short sentence.

[@godfreypigott]

No - he'll be in jail for life.

[@babyboomerinc]

He got 35 life sentences so he'll die there

[@shanebriggs1039]

He got never to be released

[@belsbeslag]

I used to work at commonwealth bank in Australia and I remember once I received a phone call on our landline asking if anyone within the branch was aware of a man that was a victim of this massacre. Unfortunately I forgot the name, however I remember my branch manager speaking to the journalist and we found out that the man did once work at our branch but it was way before any of us commenced our employment. RIP to all victims. So glad our gun laws changed after this.

[@gloriahooper5023]

Unfortunately due to the change in AU gun laws after this atrocity, a nutter from OZ, came to NZ, bought AR15 guns here after having gotten a license. Then murdered 50 odd people and wounded several others. Sad thing is many law abiding citizens lost their guns due to two Ozzie nutters. However we in NZ STILL have gun crime, but it's the gangs committing these crimes. They refused to give up their guns! 🙄 go figure.

[@paul6788]

Richard Nightingale, he stood up and said no not here

[@ChomoBidensMules]

​@@paul6788no testes allowed in Australia

[@LunaStarlight35]

The fact that his mother defends him until this day is just crazy. He had issues because his mom was like, Idk how to describe it.

[@frankwoods4179]

His mother defends him because she knows that the police had no forensic evidence to prove her son was the shooter. No forensic proof was ever presented in Court to identify Bryant as the shooter despite all the items the shooter left behind in the cafe as clear sources of evidence.

[@rsvkav]

Omg his smiling and laughing throughout the interview is sickening

[@jabarhenv5933]

Are you gonna do the snowtown murders? @Truly Criminal

[@goat2503]

A day I will never forget, I was born in the mid 80s and spent many of my years living in the same street as Bryant when I was a kid, he frequented one of my friends parents corner stores. Not for a second did we imagine the shooter was him when we found out the news there was a gunman in Port Arthur shooting people. It’s a scarily small world. My heart goes out to the victims, their families and the police who attended the terrible scenes that day.

[@joem.1712]

I understand not being able to comprehend what ur own son has done when it comes to something like this, but the way she tries to act completely convinced that it wasn’t him on the soul basis that he told her that he wasn’t there when it happened is astonishing. They say nothing overpower the love of a parent, but I think this would do it for me

[@bettie2803]

You hear these terrible acts and wonder how someone could do something like this.... then you hear their mother or father defend them and you understand how. It is just unbelievable.

[@louisaklimentos7583]

Well presented . This was so devastating when it happened . This was such a sad situation . RIP to all of those people who lost their lives .

[@Unflappable43]

I want to to see the first full police interview from start finish not snippets. Also see him actually being arrested and what were first things that came out of his mouth

[@christinesch7309]

I wish he can experience the torture and pain he caused.

[@roseleperlier1991]

He can't feel anything that's the problem

[@louiseedwards29]

I'm in New Zealand so remember this well. Just awful.

[@trishliving9942]

His girlfriend? 😅 I thought he couldn’t get a girl. This guy had it all!

[@megs4193]

I can't imagine what anyone there went through, I've never had a gun held at me, never witnessed anything like this before or since, those poor little girls, and Americans coming to a place where they would normally have to worry about such a thing. One time was to many 😣. ❤. You have given more details I've ever heard since this happened, the research here is phenomenal, i wish it didn't have to be, but at least you told it with dignity ❤.

[@Infodawg2012]

The mother's remarks right at the end of the video is truly disturbing.

[@frankwoods4179]

She knows that there is no forensic evidence to prove her son was the shooter.

[@peppercat8188]

This is some of your best work yet, ladies.

[@ashman0071]

66 IQ - his psychiatrist documented he couldn't read or write at the age of 16, but he somehow 'acquired' a 5.56 AR-15, .308 battle rifle and a magazine fed shotgun - had a plan to fall back to a 'safe house' aka the Seascape Cottage and then used fire like a professional criminal to destroy evidence - and most of you people believe he acted alone?

[@shanebriggs1039]

Well tell us who the second gunman is,?? And please dont say Lee Harvey Oswald

[@brendashenda4249]

@@shanebriggs1039 Why are the records sealed?

[@Kemachris]

I noticed that in the interview where he burned himself, an 11 year old is not curious about what happens when you light a fuse, they damn well know.. Also i don't believe others were involved, he was obviously a malicious kid with a low iq. But not unable to do what he did.

[@sowie05355]

I can't believe people are going for the bullshit! This kid was set up plain and simple. He was never identified as being the shooter. Survivors claimed the shooter was right handed and shot from the hip, in other words a professional. Bryant is left handed. The shooter had acne scars all over his face. Bryant doesn't. What was it that then Premier of NSW, Barry Unsworth, went on record as saying before the massacre? "It will take a massacre in Tasmania to change gun laws in this country". Well, little Johnny was listening. If anyone is to blame for the deaths of the 35 innocent people, it is the former Prime Minister John Howard. Only he would have had the power to cover it up, seal all records and documents, and forbid survivors from going public about what they witnessed. Wake up Australia. You've been taken for a huge ride!

[@Ainaes-Feline]

My partner and I watched it in Perth, and read everything we could find about him because he was so bizarre. All I can say is that we have forgotten him but his victims became the voice for strict gun laws. I couldn't stop crying because I had a young son myself at the time and seeing what he did was unbelievable just mind blowing.I have no other words for it. But we don't even know where in what maximum prison he is at. And nobody cares. No books or movies he will just be an empty face as he was empty devoid of anything human and eventually just forgotten.

[@pear_jules4013]

I suspected from the beginning that he was on the spectrum. It’s very sad he wasn’t diagnosed sooner. A lot of heartache could have been prevented. My brother had Asperger’s. His life of isolation and not fitting in was similar. But my brother never hurt anyone. He was a truly gentle soul.

[@English_rose_clairebear]

I can’t believe this horrific story happened.. just martins whole personality demeanour is petrifying.. the fact that he was laughing whilst being interviewed speaks volumes how psychotic he is and his mother is delusional I can see why he is the way he is! My condolences to all the families of the victims ..