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Arrest follows online post supporting Bondi attackers
A 39-year-old Western Australian man appeared in court on Wednesday after police allegedly discovered firearms, ammunition, and extremist paraphernalia at his home. The raid followed an online post endorsing the deadly Bondi Beach attack earlier this month.
Police raid uncovers weapons and extremist symbols
Martin Glynn was arrested after a public tip-off led authorities to search his Yangebup residence in Perth's southern suburbs. Prosecutors told the court that officers seized six rifles, approximately 4,000 rounds of ammunition, and flags associated with Hamas and Hezbollah-both designated terrorist organizations in Australia.
A notebook containing antisemitic remarks and references to Nazi ideology was also allegedly found during the search. Police claim the items included a list of materials that could be used to construct explosives, though Glynn later disputed this, stating the items were for fire-starting purposes.
Court hears details of online post and extremist ties
Glynn appeared in Perth Magistrates Court charged with racial harassment, possessing a prohibited weapon, and improper firearm storage. The court heard he had posted on Instagram hours after the Bondi Beach attack on 14 December, which targeted a Hanukkah event and left 15 people dead. The post reportedly expressed support for the gunmen's actions.
"A community member saw the post, recognized it wasn't right, and reported it to police," Acting Western Australia Premier Rita Saffioti said.
Magistrate Benjamin Tyers emphasized that while supporting the Palestinian cause is not illegal, endorsing violence against civilians crosses a line. "What is not proper is posting online comments supporting a massacre of innocent civilians," he stated, as reported by The Sydney Morning Herald.
Defendant claims post was meant to highlight hypocrisy
Representing himself in court, Glynn described himself as a "doomsday prepper" and denied any intent to harm others. He argued that his Instagram post was intended to "raise the hypocrisy" surrounding the Gaza conflict rather than incite violence. Regarding the alleged bomb-making materials, he insisted they were fire-starting supplies.
Western Australia Police Commissioner Col Blanch confirmed that Glynn had no prior criminal record or history of concern. "It's early days in our investigation," Blanch told reporters.
Bail denied as NSW passes stricter gun laws
Glynn was remanded in custody and is scheduled to return to court on 3 February. His arrest coincides with sweeping changes to gun laws in New South Wales, passed after an overnight debate that concluded at 03:00 local time on Wednesday (16:00 GMT Tuesday). The new legislation, drafted in response to the Bondi shootings, imposes tighter restrictions on firearm ownership and grants police broader powers to prohibit street protests.
Government condemns antisemitism and extremism
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese issued a statement following Glynn's arrest, reaffirming Australia's stance against hate. "There is no place in Australia for antisemitism, hate, and violent ideologies," he said.
