Northern Territory Police have charged a 53-year-old man with Commonwealth offences following an investigation into an alleged Islamophobic incident that occurred in Darwin on 7 June 2026.
On Tuesday 18 August 2026, Northern Territory detectives, in conjunction with the NT Firearms Enforcement Unit and with the assistance of the Joint Counter Terrorism Team, arrested the man in relation to alleged conduct directed towards an adult man, his pregnant wife and their young child.
The 53-year-old was charged with:
- Two counts of Threaten force or violence against a person due to protected group status causing fear to that group, contrary to Section 80.2BB(2) of the Criminal Code Act 1995 (Cth).
As a result of the charges, police also seized the man’s firearms and suspended his firearms licence.
He was granted bail and is scheduled to appear in Darwin Local Court on 1 October 2026.
Acting Commander Robert Griffiths said police will not tolerate conduct that targeted individuals or families because of their race, religion or cultural background.
“This is unacceptable conduct in our community. Every person has the right to go about their daily lives and spend time with their family without fear, intimidation or persecution.
“No one should be targeted because of who they are, what they believe, or where they come from.
“The Northern Territory Police Force remains committed to investigating and holding accountable those who seek to threaten, intimidate or vilify others.”
