City of Newcastle Council has released a statement applauding the bravery and professionalism of Newcastle Museum staff after a man armed with knives and tactical equipment was found on the premises yesterday.
“A significant incident occurred yesterday at City of Newcastle’s facility, Newcastle Museum. All staff and community members in the building at the time remained safe and unharmed,” Council said today.
“We thank our staff for their professionalism and bravery and NSW Police for their quick response.”
NSW Police say they received a welfare report about the man at around 12.30pm on Wednesday.
Officers responded immediately, entering the Museum shortly after the call, where they found the armed 19-year-old.
“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.
The Raymond Terrace man was taken to Newcastle Police Station, where he was this morning 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).
Following further inquiries, Police say they became aware of a 205-page document that had allegedly been circulated by the man to a number of public figures and media outlets.
The man appeared in Newcastle Local Court via audio visual link today. The court heard the 19-year-old is accused of attending Newcastle Labor MP Tim Crakanthorp’s office yesterday morning “with intent to kill him due to his position as a member of parliament [and] in preparation of planning a terror attack”.
Bail was formally refused, with the matter to be mentioned at Newcastle Local Court in August.
Police say there is no ongoing threat to the community relation to this investigation.
“The wellbeing of staff is of the upmost importance to City of Newcastle, and we are providing support to all those who need it in the wake of the incident,” said Council.
The Joint Counter Terrorism Team from Sydney is continuing to investigate the incident.
