Bomb Threat Linked to Shen Yun Performers
A bomb threat directed at the Australian prime minister's official residence has been traced back to written warnings sent to performers of a Chinese dance and music group banned by Beijing. The threats demanded the cancellation of upcoming Australian shows by the Shen Yun group, warning of explosives at Prime Minister Anthony Albanese's home in Canberra.
Details of the Threat
Emails obtained by local media revealed that the performers were cautioned to cancel their scheduled performances or face severe consequences. One email, written in Chinese, explicitly stated that large quantities of nitro-glycerine explosives had been placed around the Lodge, the official residence of the prime minister.
If you insist on proceeding with the performance, then the Prime Minister's Lodge will be blown into ruins and blood will flow like a river.
The initial report of these threats appeared in a newspaper affiliated with the Falun Gong religious movement, which is also banned in China and maintains connections with Shen Yun.
Authorities' Response
Australian authorities have declined to comment on the specific emails but confirmed their presence at an "alleged security incident" at the prime minister's residence on Tuesday. No suspicious items were found during the investigation.
Prime Minister Albanese was evacuated from his home at 18:00 local time (07:00 GMT) and was relocated to a secure location for several hours, according to police statements.
Official Statements and Public Reaction
The threat was reported to police on the previous day, as per the Australian Broadcasting Corporation. When questioned about the email threats, a spokesperson for the Australian Federal Police chose not to provide comments.
On Wednesday morning, Albanese posted on social media expressing gratitude towards law enforcement and supporters who sent kind messages. The post included a photo of his cavoodle, Toto, guarding the door.
Toto on alert but all good.
During a public event on Wednesday, interrupted by protestors, Albanese reiterated his call for reducing political tensions in the country.
I think it's just a reminder to take every opportunity to tell people turn the heat down, for goodness sake, we can't take these things for granted.
