Bomb threat at the Lodge linked to Chinese spiritual movement: report
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More news: The bomb scare that triggered Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s evacuation from the Lodge appears to have been targeted at a spiritual movement which is banned in China, the ABC reports.
Albanese was rushed from his Canberra residence on Tuesday evening, as the Australian Federal Police responded to a bomb threat.
While details remain unclear, the ABC reported on Wednesday that the threat appeared to be directed at a series of performances by the Shen Yun dance company around Australia.
Shen Yun is linked to the Falun Gong spiritual movement, which has been banned by the CCP and has been subjected to systematic persecution in China.
The threat reportedly claimed that multiple bombs planted near the Lodge would be detonated if the performance went ahead.
“Large quantities of nitro-glycerine explosives have been placed around the Australian Prime Minister’s Lodge, located on Adelaide Avenue in the Deakin area of Canberra, Australia,” the ABC quoted the message as saying.
The message was sent via email to a Falun Gong supporter before it was relayed to police.
Albanese was taken to another location for hours as police conducted a search at the Lodge, where they eventually concluded there was no active threat.
Performances by Shen Yun regularly draw protests by the Chinese government and its supporters.
What they said: “If you insist on proceeding with the performance, then the Prime Minister’s Lodge will be blown into ruins and blood will flow like a river,” the message reportedly said.
Capital Brief has sought comment from the Prime Minister’s office.
Anthony Albanese evacuated from The Lodge after security threat
The news: Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has been evacuated from The Lodge in Canberra after a security threat, according to the Australian Federal Police (AFP).
Officers responded to an alleged security incident at about 6pm on Tuesday evening and carried out a search of the residence and surrounding grounds. Nothing suspicious was located, the AFP said in a statement.
Sources familiar with the matter told the Australian Financial Review that Albanese evacuated on the advice of the AFP following a bomb threat and returned to his residence just after 9pm.
“There is no current threat to the community or public safety. Further information will be provided at an appropriate time,” the AFP spokesperson said.
Commenting on the evacuation via X, Opposition leader Angus Taylor wrote: “Pleased to hear that the Prime Minister is safe and well after being evacuated from his residence in Canberra. Threats against any parliamentarian are utterly abhorrent, especially in a country built on expressing our differences through debate.”
The sources: AFR, The Australian, ABC, Australian Federal Police statement, ABC
