A 19-year-old is facing a terrorism charge after he allegedly walked into a NSW Labor MP’s office with knives and tactical gear.
Jordan Patten allegedly entered Tim Crakanthorp’s office in the heart of the Newcastle CBD on Wednesday while carrying the weapons and wearing a tactical vest and a helmet.
The teenager was seen in tactical gear.Credit: Nine News
Police were called about midday and found Patten at the nearby Newcastle Museum.
Officers pointed Tasers at the teenager before he was arrested and taken to Newcastle police station, where he was charged with performing acts in preparation for, or planning, a terrorist act.
Police allege a document containing Patten’s manifesto was sent to a number of public figures and media outlets. Police have not revealed its contents, but sources who have been briefed but not permitted to speak publicly say it contained neo-Nazi material.
He will face court later on Thursday.
Police say there is no ongoing threat to the community.
“I understand that there was an incident in Newcastle today,” a statement from Crakanthorp, the MP for Newcastle, said on Wednesday.
“I have spoken with police and they are managing the situation and have assured me that nobody was harmed.