A 19-year-old man has been charged with a terrorism offence and will face court today after he allegedly showed up to Newcastle MP Tim Crakanthorp’s office yesterday dressed in tactical gear and armed with knives.
The teenager was arrested yesterday after going to the NSW state Labor MP’s office shortly after midday.
After his arrest, police were made aware of a manifesto the 19-year-old had sent out to the media and some public figures.
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Today, the man was charged by the Joint Counter Terrorism Team.
“A number of items were seized when the man was searched and these have been taken for further analysis,” NSW Police said in a statement this morning.
“The man was taken to Newcastle Police Station and has now been charged with one count of other acts done in preparation for, or planning, for terrorist act, contrary to Section 101.6 of the Criminal Code Act (CTH).”
He was denied bail and is scheduled to appear in Newcastle Local Court later today.
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Police say there is no ongoing threat to the public.
Following the incident yesterday, Crakanthorp said no one had been harmed.
“I understand that there was an incident in Newcastle today,” he said.
“I have spoken with police and they are managing the situation and have assured me that nobody was harmed.
“I have been advised that the individual briefly walked in and out of my office, he left before making any contact with my staff.”
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