Canberra man, 20, charged over alleged Defence event attack at Hyatt Hotel
A 20-year-old Canberra man has been charged with allegedly causing panic and disrupting a Defense industry event at the Hyatt Hotel after allegedly throwing a burning incendiary device.
While Defense Industry Minister Pat Conroy was giving a speech at the ADM Congress, the police evacuated hundreds of participants after it was claimed that the device was thrown into the congress hall on Wednesday.
A bomb disposal team was dispatched to the scene.
It came hours after a stone was thrown at a hotel window as Navy Commander Vice Admiral Mark Hammond was about to address the conference.
Some delegates reportedly mistook the noise for gunfire, leading to a chaotic scramble towards the exits.
After calm was restored, Vice Admiral Hammond continued his speech as planned.
The ACT Joint Counter Team (JCTT) raided the man’s home in Campbell and another property in Scullin on Friday.
Many items were seized from the properties under forensic examination.
Police claimed the man intended to create fear among conference attendees and did not rule out other accusations.
The person accused of causing public harm and damaging property is expected to appear in court today.
The matter is being investigated by the ACT JCTT, which includes officers from the AFP, ACT Police and ASIO.
AFP Deputy Commissioner Steve Nutt said the investigation was ongoing and inquiries would continue to locate others involved.
“Let me be clear, this was not a joke. This was an extremely dangerous act that we allege was intended to and did create a chilling effect on conference attendees as well as staff and other guests of the hotel,” he said.
“We will not tolerate criminal behavior or actions that advocate hatred, fear, violence and contempt and seek to erode the social fabric of Australia.
“The individuals allegedly involved in this incident are now the focus of our joint counterterrorism investigators and their skill and dogged determination.”
ACT Police Service Deputy Chief Constable Paula Hudson said anyone with information about this incident or other suspicious matters should contact the relevant authorities.
“We adopt a zero-tolerance approach towards actions aimed at disrupting lawful activities and creating fear in society,” he said.
“Any information is valuable to law enforcement and I urge anyone with relevant information to contact the National Security Hotline.”
