Sydney Teen Arrested Over Online Death Threat to Israeli President
Synopsis
A Sydney man, 19, was charged after allegedly posting death threats towards former Israeli President Isaac Herzog and US President Donald Trump A 19-year-old man from Sydney has been arrested and charged over allegations he posted death threats targeting a former Israeli president. The threats, posted on a social media site X and stating specifically an intent to use a pistol, were reported, the police said. Though the court described the remarks as “serious and concerning,” the teenager was released on bail with strict conditions. The attack comes as Sydney puts on an unprecedented show of force in response to the Bondi Beach attack and ahead of this weekend’s official visit by the Israeli President.
SYDNEY – A 19-year-old Newtown teen has been arrested for online threats to kill Israeli President Isaac Herzog and U.S. President Donald Trump. Police in Australia say the man, Darcy Tinning, made the threats on the social media network X (formerly Twitter) on January 19.
The post mentioned a detailed threat to President Herzog of shooting him with a pistol, court documents said. The timing of the arrest is crucial, with President Herzog set to travel to Australia this weekend for an official visit. Police were quick to intervene before the international figurehead touched down in Australia. With the city already on edge, how are such threats met by the legal system?
The Decision to Grant Bail
Prosecutors argued in court on Thursday to keep the teenager behind bars citing a real risk that he might attempt his “violent” plan after the president arrived. But the man’s lawyer said his client was not affiliated with any extremist groups and did not have a criminal record of hurting anyone. He also noted that the teenager’s family has no guns.
Magistrate Daniel Covington said the matter was very volatile, particularly with the Bondi Beach attack in December being overshadowed. Though he described the purported threats as “serious” he ordered that the man be allowed to return home on bail. The judge found the 19-year-old was likely to comply with court-ordered conditions since he had no prior involvement with the criminal justice system and cooperated with police.
Strict Rules and Security Crackdowns
The court had made tight bail conditions on the teenager to protect public safety. He cannot leave his house without one of his parents, and he has been prohibited from using social media altogether. He was also forced to surrender his passport to the authorities.
The arrest was made by a new AFP specialist team. This unit was formed late last year to focus on people who go after religious communities or threaten national security. When they raided the teenager’s home on Wednesday, they confiscated his phone as potential evidence.
Presidential Trip has Sydney on Edge
The threats have come at a time when Sydney is already under heavy fortification. President Herzog’s visit is likely to draw plenty of demonstrators and the police are not taking any chances.
New South Wales Police have banned rallies in areas of the Sydney city centre and the eastern suburbs for at least the next two week. In advance of the visit, the Police Commissioner has also extended special security rules to help head off any potential violence.
The city’s physical scars from the Dec. 14 attack, and emotional ones as well, which resulted in 15 deaths mean authorities are being particularly cautious to warn against any mention of violence. The teenager is set to appear in court again in April on the charges. For now, the city sits under a large police presence all the same, preparing itself for an influx of guests from around the world this weekend.
Key Highlights
- A 19-year-old was arrested on suspicion of threatening to kill the president of Israel and the president of the United States.
- The man was released on bail but is prohibited from using social media or leaving the house unaccompanied.
- The Sydney police have limited demonstrations in the lead-up to President Herzog’s visit this weekend.
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