A Queensland man is expected to appear before Beenleigh Magistrates Court today (6 February, 2026) charged with allegedly threatening multiple federal parliamentarians on social media.
The man, 39, allegedly posted threatening messages to parliamentarians on the platform X between 10 and 15 December, 2025.
The AFP National Security Investigations team allegedly linked the man to the account used to post the messages.
The AFP executed a search warrant at a Woodridge unit on 19 December, 2025, and seized swords, axes and electronic files. Police will allege records of the threats on social media were located on the man's mobile phone and desktop computer.
The man was charged with one count of using a carriage service to menace, harass or cause offence contrary to section 474.17 (1) of the Criminal Code (Cth), which carries a maximum penalty of five years' imprisonment.
He was granted conditional watchhouse bail to appear in Beenleigh Magistrates Court today.
AFP Detective Acting Superintendent Tim Murphy said the AFP had zero tolerance for threats or menacing behaviour towards elected officials.
"The AFP supports freedom of speech and political expression because they are keys to a healthy democracy, but we do not condone threats towards anyone in the community," Det a/Supt Murphy said.
"Police have the tools and resources to identify individuals or groups who seek to promote hate and fear within our community, even if they are hiding behind the anonymity of a keyboard, social media or email account."
The AFP set up NSI teams in September, 2025, to target groups and individuals causing high levels of harm to Australia's social cohesion, including the targeting of federal parliamentarians.
