Australia On High Alert: Man Accused Of Threatening To Shoot Federal Government Advisor In Chilling Social Media Post
- A 68-year-old man from Perth is facing serious charges after allegedly threatening to shoot a federal government advisor in a disturbing social media post
- The Australian Federal Police (AFP) acted swiftly on a tip-off, raiding a residence in Morley, Perth, and charging the man with using a carriage service in a way that is menacing
- If convicted, the accused could face up to five years behind bars, highlighting the serious consequences of such threats in Australia
- The incident has sparked concerns about the safety of government officials and the potential for online threats to translate into real-world violence
The Australian Federal Police (AFP) have arrested a 68-year-old man from Perth, accusing him of threatening to shoot a federal government advisor in a chilling social media post.
The AFP’s National Security Investigations team, launched in October 2025 to target those causing harm to Australia’s social cohesion, was instrumental in the investigation. According to the AFP, they were tipped off about the threatening post on August 12 and subsequently raided a residence in Morley, Perth, on Wednesday.
The accused man has been charged with one count of using a carriage service in a way that is menacing, an offence that carries a maximum penalty of five years behind bars if convicted.

The man was granted strict conditional bail and is set to appear in Perth Magistrates Court on October 28.
This incident is a stark reminder of the potential for online threats to have serious real-world consequences, and the need for law enforcement agencies to take such threats seriously.
The AFP’s National Security Investigations team was established to target individuals and groups causing harm to Australia’s social cohesion, including those targeting the Jewish community. This unit has been instrumental in investigating and prosecuting cases involving online threats and harassment.
The team’s work is critical in maintaining public safety and preventing online threats from escalating into violent acts.
In recent months, there have been several high-profile cases of individuals threatening government officials and public figures, highlighting the need for increased vigilance and cooperation between law enforcement agencies.
For instance, in June, a WA teen narrowly avoided jail after threatening to kill NSW Premier Chris Minns and Prime Minister Anthony Albanese in an ominous message sent over Instagram.
This incident, along with the recent arrest of the 68-year-old man, underscores the importance of addressing online threats and ensuring that those who make such threats are held accountable.
As the online landscape continues to evolve, it is essential that law enforcement agencies and policymakers work together to develop effective strategies for preventing and responding to online threats.
Analysis: What This Means for Australia.
The recent arrest of the 68-year-old man and the ongoing work of the AFP’s National Security Investigations team highlight the critical importance of addressing online threats and maintaining public safety.
Security analysts say that the rise of online threats poses a significant challenge to law enforcement agencies, requiring them to develop new strategies and technologies to detect and prevent such threats.
Furthermore, the fact that the accused man was able to make such a threat online raises concerns about the need for increased monitoring and regulation of social media platforms.
Law enforcement insiders warn that the threat of online violence is a pressing concern, and that it requires a coordinated effort from government agencies, social media companies, and the community to prevent.
Industry observers believe that the use of artificial intelligence and machine learning algorithms can help identify and flag potential online threats, but that human oversight and judgment are still essential in determining the credibility and severity of such threats.
As Australia continues to navigate the complexities of the online world, it is essential that policymakers and law enforcement agencies prioritize the development of effective strategies for preventing and responding to online threats.
According to Australian Federal Police, the investigation into the 68-year-old man’s alleged threat is ongoing, and the AFP is working closely with other law enforcement agencies to ensure that those who make online threats are held accountable.
The AFP’s work in this area is critical in maintaining public safety and preventing online threats from escalating into violent acts.
As the online landscape continues to evolve, it is essential that law enforcement agencies and policymakers work together to develop effective strategies for addressing online threats and maintaining public safety.
For more information on online safety and cybersecurity, visit our website.
In conclusion, the recent arrest of the 68-year-old man and the ongoing work of the AFP’s National Security Investigations team highlight the critical importance of addressing online threats and maintaining public safety.
As Australia continues to navigate the complexities of the online world, it is essential that policymakers and law enforcement agencies prioritize the development of effective strategies for preventing and responding to online threats.
By working together, we can create a safer and more secure online environment for all Australians.