Prime Minister Anthony Albanese became emotional today as he alleged the teenager charged with a terror offence in Newcastle had threatened his own family.
Jordan Patten allegedly livestreamed himself walk into Labor MP Tim Crakanthorp’s office and Newcastle Museum dressed in tactical gear and armed with knives on Wednesday.
The 19-year-old has been charged with doing an act in preparation for a terrorist attack.
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Albanese was teary-eyed at a press conference today when he was asked about the matter, alleging that Patten had made threats against his family.
“That documentation that was made is very concerning, including threats not just to Labor MPs, but to others, to my family,” he alleged.
“It’s another reason why families should be off-limits from the media.
“It’s something that is of concern, a very direct threat. I applaud the security agencies and police for their swift action that they undertook.”
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Crakanthorp and his staff were unharmed in the incident, as the teenager was quickly apprehended by officers at the museum.
His brother William Patten and aunt Emma Patten have described him as a mentally ill and “troubled” boy, who they didn’t believe was capable of what is alleged to have happened.
Patten didn’t apply for bail when he faced court yesterday and will reappear in August.
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