Charges after ‘lit incendiary device’ thrown into hotel

A man who allegedly threw a “lit incendiary device” into a hotel has been arrested and charged with causing public alarm.

He is accused of a conspiracy to disrupt a major defense conference at Canberra’s Hyatt Hotel on Wednesday by throwing rocks through the window during a speech by the navy chief.

Police continue to release more details about the reportedly discarded device.

Forensic examination of the explosive seized by the AFP bomb disposal team continues.

The 20-year-old defendant was arrested in Canberra on Friday and charged with criminal damage to property.

A maximum prison sentence of 10 years is foreseen for both crimes.

The ACT Joint Counter Terrorism Team investigated the incident alongside the Australian Federal Police and ASIO.

“Police will allege that the incident was intended to cause panic and fear among attendees of the conference held at the hotel,” according to a statement on Saturday.

Various other items were also seized during police raids on homes in Canberra’s Campbell and Scullin suburbs on Friday, police said, and police are subject to a criminal investigation.

AFP deputy commissioner Stephen Nutt said further charges were not ruled out as detectives continued their investigations into the possible involvement of others.

“Let me be clear, this was not a joke,” he said.

“This was an extremely dangerous action which we claim was intended to create and create a deterrent effect on conference attendees as well as staff and other guests of the hotel.

“We will not tolerate criminal behavior or actions that advocate hatred, fear, violence and contempt and seek to erode the social fabric of Australia.”