FBI tip off leads to counter-terror raids on teen who allegedly sought to slaughter
A teen who outlined his alleged desire to slaughter innocent victims in a chilling note had amassed a stockpile of gun parts, tactical gear and chemicals to make deadly explosives, a court has heard.
Police & Courts
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Chilling handwritten notes allegedly written by a Melbourne teenager accused of plotting several lethal attacks including a shooting spree at his former high school, a university bombing, train derailment, police shootings and poisoning public water supply, outline extraordinary bloodlust.
The 19-year-old, whose identity was suppressed in court for his own safety, had allegedly amassed a stockpile of gun parts, tactical gear and chemicals to manufacture deadly explosives which were uncovered in a series of counter-terror raids following an FBI tip off.
The Moorabbin Magistrates’ Court heard the teen was allegedly fixated on specific targets whom he sought to exact “vengeance” upon, including at Monash University.
A chilling handwritten note outlined his alleged desire to slaughter innocent victims.
“I made a vow to myself before I commit suicide, I will take someone else’s life and they will die horrifically… not by a quick cut to the main artery but brutally by bleeding to death,” the note read.
“Then if I have enough time I will kill someone else. I will decapitate them and cut out their innards. I will dangle them all over the place until the whole room is bloodied and then it’s my turn.”
On Monday his defence lawyer argued he be released back into the community despite fears by counter-terror police of a “secret location” the accused man allegedly wrote about which could contain hidden weapons or explosives.
Magistrate Luisa Bazzani denied bail, saying the alleged terror plotter had clear “murderous intent”.
“He has demonstrated not just ideation to commit horrendous, violent crimes against innocent people but he has pursued a path to realising that ideation,” Ms Bazzani said.
“His handwritten notes are proof of murderous intent. The collection of ammunition, semi-constructed firearms and in particular dangerous chemicals for the creation of explosives amounts to a significant threat to our community.”
The court heard extensive analysis of the accused man’s mobile phone had uncovered terrifying internet searches of mass shootings in the US including the Columbine High School massacre and the Christchurch mosque shooting which killed 51 people and injured 89 others.
Other items searched on the man’s phone related to AK47 assault rifles, making bullet casings, various chemicals used as explosives as well as pathways to university without a VCE certificate.
The man reportedly wanted to study chemistry but was rejected by Monash University as he did not complete his schooling.
In one handwritten note, the man allegedly wrote of a sophisticated weapon he could conceal in his pocket.
“I’ve done my own research and it’s infallible. It cannot fail unless I stuff up real bad,” the note read.
“It’s much quieter than the original and compact to the point where I can easily put it in my pocket. The best thing is it doesn’t require reloading unlike conventional (sic) which is both noisy and bulky. The only downside I can think of is concealment if discovered.”
The man came to the attention of Victoria Police in February after a tip off from the FBI about an alleged plot to manufacture a firearm for a high school shooting.
His home was raided with items including a bayonet, 500 bullets, metal parts for the creation of a firearm, precursor chemicals, a military style vest, helmet, gas mask and shooting range targets uncovered in a series of raids.
His lawyer said his detention in an adult prison could potentially further endanger the community in the future.
“At some point he is going to get out. He’s in a mainstream prison, is very vulnerable and physically small. He will probably experience traumatic or difficult experiences that won’t reduce his risk and when he gets out we won’t know what those risks would be,” the lawyer said.
His parents, both in court, said they would do “anything” to save their son and keep him from trouble.
Magistrate Bazzani said: “In light of his success in hiding dangerous items from his family in his own home, I am concerned that even with the best intentions, it would be unlikely for his parents to be able to monitor his activities.”
“The risk this young man poses to the safety of the community cannot be underestimated.”
He was remanded to reappear in court later this year.
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