Authorities in Sydney are investigating whether explosives found in a caravan were meant for an antisemitic attack.
Police say the explosives, discovered in the suburb of Dural on January 19, could have caused a massive 40-meter-wide blast, leading to “significant damage.” Thankfully, the threat has been contained.
A note with antisemitic messages was also found inside the caravan, raising serious concerns.
“This is the discovery of a potential mass casualty event,” New South Wales Premier Chris Minns said.
Deputy Commissioner David Hudson explained that while police aren’t confirming a specific target yet, there are indications the explosives could have been part of an antisemitic attack.
“We’ve mitigated the risk as much as possible,” Hudson said. “But we’re urging the public to stay alert and report anything suspicious.”
The investigation is now a joint effort between New South Wales Police and the Australian Federal Police (AFP).
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese didn’t mince words, calling the threat “clearly designed to harm people” and “create fear in the community.” He agreed with Premier Minns in describing it as an act of terrorism, though NSW Police haven’t officially designated it as such yet.
At least one person is in custody, and authorities are working with the AFP’s Special Operation Avalite, which focuses on antisemitic crimes.
This comes at a time when antisemitic incidents have been on the rise in Australia. Just this week, a Jewish school in Sydney was vandalized with hateful graffiti. In December, Melbourne’s Adass Israel synagogue was set on fire, and earlier this month, a Sydney childcare center was also targeted with antisemitic messages before being set alight.
Minns reassured the public that this threat will be “met with the full resources of the government.”
Authorities are urging Australians to stay vigilant and report any signs of hate-fueled activity.
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