A 39-year-old man from Perth, Australia, has been arrested for allegedly supporting the individuals accused of a deadly antisemitic attack at Bondi Beach. Martin Thomas Glynn was taken into custody on Tuesday after police discovered a significant cache of weapons, including six rifles and approximately 4,000 rounds of ammunition, along with flags associated with terrorist organizations Hamas and Hezbollah in his residence.
The arrest followed a series of social media posts in which Glynn expressed support for Sajid Akram, 50, and his 24-year-old son, Naveed Akram, who are accused of carrying out the attack during a Hanukkah celebration on December 14, 2023. The incident resulted in the deaths of 15 individuals and left many others injured. In one Instagram post, Glynn declared, “I, Martin Glynn, 100 percent support the New South Wales shooters,” alarming authorities.
During a court hearing on Wednesday, police presented evidence that included disturbing notebooks referencing Adolf Hitler and the Holocaust, as well as a list of materials purportedly intended for making explosives. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese responded to the incident via an Instagram statement, emphasizing that “there is no place in Australia for antisemitism, hate and violent ideologies.” He commended the Western Australia Police for their swift action in apprehending Glynn.
Details of the Investigation
Glynn’s home was searched after police identified his online activity, which included a declaration of support for the alleged terrorists. Naveed Akram faces an extensive list of charges, including 15 counts of murder and 40 counts of causing harm with intent to murder, alongside a charge of committing a terrorist act. His father, Sajid Akram, was killed by police during the confrontation.
In another concerning post, Glynn reportedly stated that he had “no sympathy for any casualties,” referencing the loss of Palestinian lives in Gaza. When representing himself in court, Glynn insisted he is not a violent person but rather a “doomsday prepper.” He claimed to have accumulated “50 different types” of flags and suggested that his views had become more pronounced since the recent conflict escalated following Hamas’ attack on Israel on October 7, 2023. “I was hoping to raise the hypocrisy,” he stated.
Authorities revealed that Glynn held a firearm license for hunting, and while most of his weapons were registered, there is an ongoing effort to revoke his permit. He faces multiple charges, including intent to racially harass, possession of prohibited weapons, and failure to store firearms and related materials properly.
Legal Implications and Community Reactions
During the court proceedings, the magistrate noted that while supporting the Palestinian cause is not inherently illegal, endorsing violence against civilians crosses a significant line. “What is not proper is posting online comments supporting a massacre of innocent civilians,” the magistrate remarked, underscoring the seriousness of Glynn’s online expressions.
Currently held without bail, Glynn is scheduled to appear in court again on February 3, 2024. The case has prompted discussions around antisemitism and hate speech in Australia, as well as the responsibilities of individuals in expressing political opinions online. The community remains on alert as authorities continue to address the implications of such ideologies in the wake of recent violent events.