A 13-year-old boy has been charged after counter-terrorism detectives allegedly uncovered plans to carry out an act of violence at a Queensland school. The boy was arrested following an incident at a service station in Maryborough, where he allegedly threatened a worker. After being released from custody, detectives reviewed CCTV footage and executed a search warrant at his home on Saturday.
Evidence Found During Search
During the search, police discovered electronic devices containing a recorded video of the New Zealand mosque massacre, which was livestreamed on social media. Prosecutors alleged in the Hervey Bay Magistrates Court on Monday that the teenager was inspired by online videos of Russian school shootings and stabbings.
Detectives claimed the boy had “imminent plans” to kill other children whom he described as “small and easy targets,” according to The Courier Mail. He was rearrested by the Counter Terrorism Investigation Group and charged with one count of preparation or planning to cause death or grievous bodily harm, as well as possessing or controlling violent extremist material obtained via a carriage service.
Police Statement
Queensland Police Acting Detective Superintendent Jason Hindmarsh stated, “We do have evidence that there was planning towards death and GBH. We have evidence that he had planned to undertake acts of violence at a school. There was a threat to the school, particularly young people at that school.” He noted that the boy was not previously known to police and that no ideology has been determined yet.
“This is the first prosecution in Queensland for this new offence,” Superintendent Hindmarsh confirmed. “If we do identify a terrorism aspect, we will investigate that. We want to reassure the community that we will work with our partners to ensure the safety of all Queenslanders.” The case is scheduled to return to court on June 5.
