Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has revealed that an accused teenage terrorist has thretened his family in a manifesto, ABC News reported on Friday. The accused was identified as Jordan Patten. The 19-year-old allegedly filmed himself arriving at Newcastle MP Tim Crakanthorp's office carrying knives and tactical equipment on Wednesday.
According to ABC News, it is claimed that a series of posts online revealed that Patten allegedly planned a series of attacks. The attacks were planned after drawing inspiration from the Christchurch mass shooter. The posts also revealed that the accused teen vowed to behead a Labor politician.
Speaking to reporters on Friday, Albanese said, "That documentation... is very concerning, including threats not just to Labor MPs but to others, to my family," as quoted by ABC News. "It's something that is of concern—a very direct threat," he said.
Teen Circulated Manifesto To Media Outlets: Investigators
According to investigators, the 19-year-old recently circulated a 200-page manifesto riddled with extremist views to several media outlets and public figures. According to ABC News, it is alleged that a seven-minute video shot by Patten showed the teenager preparing an outfit including a ballistics vest, face mask, gloves, and a helmet fitted with a GoPro camera in a public bathroom.
The footage allegedly later shows the teen armed with knives and tactical equipment before he entered Newcastle MP Tim Crakanthorp's office at about 12.30 PM on Wednesday and then walking out into the street again.
Crakanthorp claimed that no one had been hurt. NSW Premier Chris Minns said he would look into providing extra security for MPs if needed, but he noted it was not possible to protect against every possible threat. "If we did need to make changes by talking to parliament or NSW Police, of course we will—but we're not able to design a perfect system," he said, as quoted by ABC News.