Man to Appear in Court Over Alleged Online Threat to Federal Parliamentarian
A 45-year-old man has been arrested and is set to face court after being accused of making an online threat to a federal parliamentarian. The arrest occurred on Tuesday as police executed search warrants at properties located in Hume, Australian Capital Territory, and Queanbeyan, New South Wales.
Investigation Triggered by Social Media Post
The investigation was initiated after the Australian Federal Police National Security Investigations unit was alerted in February to an alleged "menacing and offensive post targeted at a federal parliamentarian on social media." This prompted a thorough probe into the matter, leading to the recent enforcement actions.
Items Seized During Police Raids
During the execution of the search warrants on Tuesday, officers seized several items from the properties, including:
- A mobile phone
- A laptop
- Weapons such as an extendable baton, a taser, and pepper spray
These items are now part of the ongoing investigation as authorities gather evidence related to the case.
Charges and Legal Proceedings
The man has been charged with one count each of:
- Possessing a prohibited weapon
- Using a carriage service to menace, harass, or cause offence
The Australian Federal Police have stated that investigations remain ongoing and have not ruled out the possibility of further charges being laid in the future.
Bail Granted and Court Date Set
Following his arrest, the accused man was granted bail. He is expected to appear at the ACT Magistrates Court on May 26 to face the charges. This case highlights the serious legal consequences associated with making threats against public officials online.
