Guns allegedly seized, WA man charged over alleged anti-Semitic posts, multiple firearms allegedly seized
A West Australian man has been charged by police over anti-Semitic comments he made online, and officers seized several firearms during his arrest.
In a statement, WA Police said State Security Investigation Group officers laid charges against the 39-year-old overnight following an investigation into allegations of anti-Semitic comments made online via a social media platform.
“Police will also allege the man was a licensed firearms owner and was in possession of a number of registered firearms as well as a quantity of ammunition, all of which were seized,” WA Police said in a statement.
“Whether the man has a firearms license will be subject to review.”
The man faces charges of racially abusive conduct, carrying or possessing a prohibited weapon and failure to store a firearm or similar object in an appropriate storage facility.
He was charged as part of Operation Dalewood, a police operation carried out specifically in response to the Bondi terror attack.
Premier Anthony Albanese said he was informed of the arrest by the Acting WA Premier and the Commissioner of the Australian Federal Police (AFP).
“Anti-Semitism, hatred and violent ideologies have no place in Australia,” he said in a statement.
“I appreciate the work of WA Police in quickly identifying this individual and taking immediate action.
“Federal agencies have offered full support to WAPOL through the Joint Counterterrorism Team.”
