newy.com.au – A 35-year-old Mayfield man has been charged after allegedly posting a video threatening a federal parliamentarian, with Australian Federal Police investigators seizing a replica pistol and other items during a search in Newcastle.
The man was granted conditional police bail and is due to appear in Newcastle Local Court on 30 July, 2026.
The AFP’s National Security Investigations team began investigating in June after receiving a report about concerning content posted on a social media platform, including threats to harm a high office holder.
Police allege further threats linked to the same social media account were posted between 28 October, 2025, and 10 June, 2026.
NSI investigators executed a search warrant at a Mayfield property on 23 June, seizing an electronic device, a USB storage device, a black replica pistol with two magazines, clothing and face coverings.
It will be alleged the clothing and face coverings were worn by the man when filming the threatening message.
The man has been charged with one count of possessing or using a prohibited weapon without a permit, contrary to section 7(1) of the Weapons Prohibition Act 1998 (NSW), which carries a maximum penalty of 14 years’ imprisonment.
He has also been charged with one count of threatening to cause serious harm to a Commonwealth public official, contrary to section 147.2 of the Criminal Code (Cth), which carries a maximum penalty of seven years’ imprisonment.
AFP Detective Acting Inspector Chris Campbell said the AFP took all threats against elected officials seriously.
“Public officials deserve the ability to carry out their duties without facing the threat of harm,” Det A/Insp Campbell said.
“People should not assume they are anonymous online or beyond the AFP’s reach. The AFP has the means to identify those responsible and ensure they are brought before the courts.”
AFP Commissioner Krissy Barrett announced the establishment of NSI teams in October, 2025, to target groups and individuals causing high levels of harm to Australia’s social cohesion, including the targeting of federal parliamentarians.
