A Victorian man, 41, has been charged following an incident at Sydney Airport about 6am today (13 August, 2025).
AFP officers responded to a request for assistance from an airline about a man allegedly acting suspiciously in the T2 domestic terminal.
When officers tried to speak to the man, he allegedly became verbally and physically aggressive and was subsequently arrested.
During the arrest, an AFP firearm was unintentionally discharged. An investigation has been launched into the cause of the discharge, and a crime scene has been established. No one was injured.
He has been charged with:
- One count of obstruct/hinder/intimidate/resist a Commonwealth official, contrary to section 149.1 of the Criminal Code (Cth); and
- One count of creating a disturbance at an airport, contrary to section 4BZ(1)(b) of the Control of On Airport Activities Regulations 1997 (Cth).
The maximum penalty for first offence is two years imprisonment. The creating a disturbance offence is a $3,300 fine.
The man has been taken to Mascot Police Station and granted conditional bail. He is scheduled to appear before Downing Centre Local Court on 1 September, 2025.
AFP Acting Commander Scott Raven said the man's allegedly aggressive behaviour had threatened the safety of the public, staff and police at Sydney Airport.
"The AFP does not tolerate antisocial or aggressive behaviour at airports and our aviation officers acted swiftly after receiving a request for assistance from an airline," a/Cmdr Raven said.
"The AFP is investigating the circumstances around the discharge of the weapon however the alleged actions of this man and aggressiveness towards police created a volatile situation.
"The AFP is dedicated to ensure the safety of the community at our airports - any individual who allegedly breaks the law will be dealt with swiftly and will be brought before the courts."
Stop and think. A safe journey starts with you.
Every piece of information you provide could be the key to identifying and preventing a threat at our airports. That's why the AFP is asking you to adopt the; "See it. Hear it. Report it." approach.
Behaviours to report include:
- Taking photos of security cameras, screening, or perimeter fencing
- Avoiding screening
- Leaving bags unattended
- Loitering
- Concealing identity
- Exhibiting erratic behaviour
If you see it or hear it, report it to Airport Watch at 131 237 (131 AFP).
You can make a difference!
