A Perth man’s right to hold a firearms licence is set to be reviewed after he was charged over alleged antisemitic comments posted on social media, prompting police to seize multiple weapons from his home.
Western Australia Police arrested the 39-year-old at his Yangebup property in Perth’s south after executing a search warrant earlier this week as part of Operation Dalewood, a state-wide security response launched following the Bondi terror attack.
Police allege the man was a licensed firearms holder and had several registered guns and a quantity of ammunition, all of which were seized during the raid.
Authorities confirmed his eligibility to retain a firearms licence will now be reassessed.
The accused faces three charges: conduct intended to racially harass, carrying or possessing a prohibited weapon, and failing to store a firearm in compliant conditions. He is due to appear before the Fremantle Magistrates Court, after bail was refused.
Court proceedings heard police were alerted after a member of the public reported an online post allegedly endorsing the Bondi attack, in which 15 people were killed during a targeted assault on a Jewish Hanukkah gathering on 14 December. Investigators later allegedly located firearms, ammunition, extremist material and flags linked to banned terrorist organisations during the search.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said he had been briefed on the arrest and reiterated that “there is no place in Australia for antisemitism, hate and violent ideologies,” thanking police for acting swiftly.
WA Police Commissioner Col Blanch said the investigation was ongoing and there was no indication of an imminent threat or wider network, while senior state leaders commended the community member whose report triggered the arrest.
Operation Dalewood has also led to heightened patrols and enforcement across Western Australia, with police warning that online expressions supporting violence or racial hatred will be treated seriously and acted upon without delay.
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