Australia’s top intelligence chief has allegedly been the target of a death threat by a university student, as concerns grow about rising hostility linked to extremism and the aftermath of the Bondi Junction attack 2024.

Mike Burgess, Director-General of Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO), was allegedly threatened by a student from Western Sydney University, who is accused of saying he would “chop him up”.

As per SkyNews report, the student has been arrested and charged by NSW Police with sending a document threatening death or grievous bodily harm, as well as multiple counts of stalking and intimidation and using a carriage service to menace or harass.

Police allege that in April, the student sent a series of harassing emails to a university professor and another staff member. Later that month, he allegedly approached one of the staff members in person and handed over a note containing a threat directed at Burgess.

It is further alleged that after his arrest, the student repeated the threat to the ASIO chief.

The alleged incident comes amid heightened scrutiny of security threats in Australia, with Burgess having repeatedly warned about the rise of extremism and antisemitism. He has previously described such threats as among the most significant risks to national security.

Authorities have not indicated whether further charges could be laid, as investigations into the alleged threats continue.

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