NSW man charged over alleged online threat to federal parliamentarian
A 35-year-old man from Mayfield in Newcastle, NSW, is expected to appear in Newcastle Local Court on 30 July 2026 after being charged over alleged online threats directed at a federal parliamentarian.
The Australian Federal Police (AFP) National Security Investigations (NSI) team launched an investigation in June 2026 after receiving reports of concerning content posted on social media, including alleged threats to harm a Commonwealth public official.
Investigators allege further threatening posts were made from the same social media account between 28 October 2025 and 10 June 2026.
Following the investigation, AFP officers executed a search warrant at a Mayfield property on 23 June 2026, where they allegedly seized an electronic device, a USB storage device, a black replica firearm with two magazines, and clothing and face coverings believed to have been used in the creation of the threatening video.
Police allege the items were worn by the man while recording the threatening material.
The man has been charged with:
- Possessing or using a prohibited weapon without a permit under the Weapons Prohibition Act 1998 (NSW)
- Threatening to cause serious harm to a Commonwealth public official under the Criminal Code (Cth)
He was granted conditional police bail and will next appear before Newcastle Local Court.
AFP Detective Acting Inspector Chris Campbell said the AFP treats all threats against elected officials seriously and warned that individuals cannot assume anonymity online protects them from investigation.
“The AFP has the means to identify those responsible and bring them before the courts,” he said.
The AFP’s NSI teams, established in 2025, continue to investigate online threats and activities considered harmful to Australia’s social cohesion, including threats targeting federal parliamentarians.
Source: Australian Federal Police – National Media
