Australian teenager charged with terrorism after entering politician's office with intent to kill – JURIST

A 19-year-old man has been charged with a terrorism offence in New South Wales after briefly entering the office of Newcastle MP Tim Crakanthorp with the intention of killing him, Australian Federal Police (AFP) said on Thursday.

The man, identified as Jordan Patten of Raymond Terrace, NSW, was refused bail and appeared in Newcastle Local Court via audio-visual link on Thursday. He has been charged with one count of committing acts in preparation or planning a terrorist act under section 101.6 of the Criminal Code Act 1995 (Cth). Acting magistrate Anthony Spence said there was an intention to kill Crakanthorp because of his status as an MP.

Police were alerted on June 26 that Patten had entered Crakanthorp's office briefly before leaving without contacting staff, and he was arrested at the Newcastle Museum shortly afterwards. Police had been tipped off to Patten's location because he had entered with a knife and was dressed in tactical gear, carrying a backpack and streaming live on a GoPro strapped to his head. According to the police statement, several items were seized from the man. No one was hurt or hurt.

The Joint Counter Terrorism Team, made up of members of the NSW Police, Australian Federal Police, Australian Security Intelligence Organization (ASIO) and the NSW Crime Commission -South Wales, investigating the incident further and an investigation is underway.Authorities said there was no ongoing threat to the community.

Investigators confirmed to the media that Patten circulated a 205-page manifesto to numerous public figures and media outlets detailing his anti-immigration and anti-diversity views. He also professed admiration for the Christchurch mass shooter, which has circulated online in encrypted extremist groups. Patten's brother William spoke to local media and described Jordan as a “quiet, intelligent introvert who neither worked nor studied and had a number of mental health issues.”

Patten is due in court on August 21 where he faces a possible life sentence.

Knife violence is rare in NSW, but in recent months stabbing incidents have increased. On April 28, a 16-year-old boy was accused of terrorism offenses when he stabbed the bishop and several other worshipers at a church in Wakeley, Sydney. BeforeA man has been shot dead by police after stabbing six people at a shopping centre in Bondi, Sydney.