Incident
On Sunday at approximately 10:46 AM, a man entered Masjid Taqwa in Bald Hills, Brisbane, and threatened worshippers, claiming to have an AK-47 rifle in his vehicle. Police determined the man was not armed. He fled before police arrived.
Charges
Queensland police charged a 33-year-old man with disturbing a place of worship and creating a public nuisance. He is due to appear before Brisbane Magistrates Court on 22 May.
Reactions
"Intimidation and threats against worshippers are unacceptable."
The Australian National Imams Council condemned the incident, calling it a violation of the sanctity and safety of a place of worship. Council President Imam Shadi Alsuleiman stated that intimidation and threats against worshippers are unacceptable.
Context
The mosque has previously been targeted with anti-Muslim graffiti and Nazi symbols. In September 2023, the Islamic College of Brisbane received a threatening email, and a mosque on the Gold Coast received a bomb hoax. Imam Shadi expressed concern about rising hostility and anti-Muslim sentiment in Australia.
Police stated there is no ongoing threat to public safety.