Queensland counter-terrorism police have charged a 13-year-old with planning an attack on a regional school north of Brisbane. The teenager was arrested last Thursday after allegedly making threats at a business in Maryborough while armed with a knife.
Following the arrest, counter-terrorism police conducted a raid on the teenager's residence and seized electronic devices. Authorities claim that evidence of a planned attack was discovered on these devices.
Acting Detective Superintendent Jason Hindmarsh, from the counter-terrorism investigation group, stated that the 13-year-old was "quite well advanced" in his plans to cause death and grievous bodily harm, posing an "imminent threat" to the community. "There was a threat to the school, and particularly our young people at that school," Hindmarsh said.
Hindmarsh noted that the boy did not appear to be pursuing any ideological cause, and his devices are still under review. Determining the motivation is a key focus of the investigation. "It's too early to say if there was an ideological, religious or political motivation," he added.
Police are investigating whether the boy was radicalized online. "That's part of our ongoing investigation as we analyse the devices," Hindmarsh explained.
The teenager faces multiple charges, including preparation or planning to cause death or grievous bodily harm, possessing or controlling violent extremist material obtained via a carriage service, attempting to enter premises with intent, going armed to cause fear, making threats, and possessing a thing intended for use in connection with an offence. The latter offences allegedly occurred at a business on Saltwater Creek Road around 9am on Thursday, where he was armed with a large knife.
Hindmarsh assured the public that there is no ongoing threat to the community and that support will be provided to both the school community and the young alleged offender. A spokesperson for the education department confirmed that guidance officer support is available for any students who may need it.
The boy was refused bail at Maryborough Children's Court on Monday.
