Media Release
Canberra teenager charged with terrorism and firearms offences
A Canberra teenager appeared in the ACT Children’s Court today (6 November, 2025) charged with terrorism and firearms offences.
The ACT Joint Counter Terrorism Team (JCTT), comprising officers from the AFP, ACT Policing and ASIO, executed a search warrant at a residence in Downer yesterday (5 November, 2025).
The ACT JCTT allege the teenager, 17, adhered to a violent extremist ideology and shared extremist video content and discussing extremist events with other users online.
Police seized chemicals, gas masks, military style clothing, an imitation firearm, written extremist material and a mobile phone, which will undergo forensic examination.
The boy was charged with:
- One count of possessing or controlling violent extremist material obtained or accessed using a carriage service, contrary to section 474.45(C) of the Criminal Code 1995 (Cth), which carries a maximum penalty of five years’ imprisonment; and
- One count of unauthorised possession of prohibited firearms, contrary to section 42 of the Firearms Act 1996 (ACT), which carries a maximum penalty of 10 years’ imprisonment.
He was refused bail and remanded in custody to reappear in the ACT Children’s Court on 19 January, 2026.
The investigation is ongoing, and further charges have not been ruled out.
Signs a person may be susceptible to radicalisation include:
- distancing themselves from their usual friends and family members;
- an increase in the extremist nature of their rhetoric or propaganda they propagate;
- a child using hateful or emotionally charged language;
- developing a fixation on conspiracy theories or contentious social issues;
- displaying extreme reaction to certain news or politics, or
- spending increasing amounts of time in fringe forums on the internet.
A priority for the AFP, alongside JCTT partners, is to limit the accessibility of violent extremist material and to promote education and awareness for those in protective roles, including parents, educators and health care providers, to maximise prevention and early intervention options.
The AFP supports the increase in accountability by internet service providers and social media corporations to take action against the removal of violent extremist material online.
The AFP, and JCTT partners, continue to remain vigilant and ready to respond to threats of radicalisation and extremism among vulnerable young people.
If you believe someone you know is in immediate danger, call Triple Zero (000) or local police (131 444). If you suspect someone is being radicalised online or in person, call the National Security Hotline on 1800 123 400.
For anonymous reporting, visit the Crime Stoppers website or call the toll free number 1800 333 000.
