A 39-year-old Australian man, Martin Thomas Glynn, has been arrested in Perth after authorities discovered a significant cache of firearms and ammunition in his home. Glynn is accused of praising the alleged perpetrators of the antisemitic attack that occurred at Bondi Beach, where a father and son duo are charged with multiple counts of murder.
The arrest took place on Tuesday, following a police raid that revealed six rifles, approximately 4,000 rounds of ammunition, and flags associated with terrorist organizations Hamas and Hezbollah. Additionally, authorities reported finding disturbing notebooks that referenced Adolf Hitler and the Holocaust. Notably, a list of materials intended for making explosives was also discovered, as outlined during a court hearing on Wednesday, according to NBC News.
In response to the incident, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese condemned the actions, stating, “There is no place in Australia for antisemitism, hate and violent ideologies.” Albanese commended the Western Australia Police for their swift action in identifying and apprehending Glynn.
Glynn’s arrest followed a series of antisemitic social media posts in which he expressed support for the alleged attackers, Sajid Akram, aged 50, and his 24-year-old son, Naveed Akram. The pair is linked to the tragic shooting at a Hanukkah celebration in Sydney on December 14, 2023, which resulted in 15 deaths and numerous injuries. Glynn reportedly stated, “I just want to say that I, Martin Glynn, 100 percent support the New South Wales shooters” in one of his unsettling Instagram posts.
The court has charged Naveed Akram with a total of 59 offenses, including 15 counts of murder and 40 counts of causing harm with intent to murder. His father, who legally owned six rifles and shotguns, died at the scene after being shot by police officers.
In another social media post, Glynn reportedly expressed a lack of sympathy for casualties, citing the deaths of Palestinians in Gaza. Representing himself in court, Glynn claimed he was not a violent person but rather a “doomsday prepper.” He asserted that he had no intention of causing harm and had accumulated “50 different types” of flags, suggesting he wanted to highlight what he termed as hypocrisy surrounding the conflict.
Despite holding a gun license for hunting, police indicated that they are working to revoke Glynn’s permit. He has been charged with intent to racially harass, carrying or possessing a prohibited weapon, and failing to properly store firearms and related materials. The magistrate acknowledged that while supporting the Palestinian cause is not illegal, expressing support for attacks on civilians is unacceptable.
Glynn is currently being held without bail and is set to appear in court again on February 3, 2024.
