A Western Australian man was arrested after allegedly posting online in support of the attackers who killed 15 people at a Hanukkah event in Bondi Beach, Sydney, earlier this month, a court has heard. Police recovered multiple firearms, thousands of rounds of ammunition, and materials reportedly linked to bomb-making during a raid on his Perth home.
Martin Glynn, 39, appeared in a Perth court on Wednesday charged with racial harassment, possessing a prohibited weapon, and failing to store firearms safely. Prosecutors told the court that flags associated with Hamas and Hezbollah, both terrorist organizations under Australian law, were found during the search of his Yangebup residence.
The investigation began after a member of the public reported an Instagram post by Glynn made just hours after the Bondi attack. Acting Western Australia Premier Rita Saffioti said on Christmas Eve that the community member “recognized it wasn’t right and reported it to police,” prompting the search.
During the raid, officers allegedly discovered three flags, six rifles, and approximately 4,000 rounds of ammunition, as well as a notebook containing antisemitic messages and references to Nazi ideology. Police also found a list describing materials that could be used to create explosives, though Glynn told the court these were intended as fire-starting supplies for survival purposes.
In court, Magistrate Benjamin Tyers emphasized that supporting the Palestinian cause is not illegal but noted that “what is not proper is posting online comments supporting a massacre of innocent civilians.” Glynn, who represented himself, said he was expressing opinions about the war in Gaza and attempting to highlight perceived hypocrisy, insisting he had no intent to harm anyone.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese condemned the alleged actions, stating, “There is no place in Australia for antisemitism, hate and violent ideologies.” Western Australia Police Commissioner Col Blanch said the investigation is at an early stage and that Glynn had no prior “record of concern.”
Glynn, a former mine worker, was denied bail and is scheduled to appear in court again on 3 February.
The arrest comes as New South Wales implements stricter gun laws in response to the Bondi attack. The legislation, passed after a marathon debate ending in the early hours of Wednesday, tightens regulations on firearm ownership and provides police with greater authority to manage street protests. Authorities have cited the Bondi shootings as a catalyst for the reforms.
The case has raised concerns about the use of social media to promote extremist views, particularly in the aftermath of attacks targeting religious communities. Police and lawmakers are urging vigilance, noting that early reporting by the public played a key role in preventing further potential threats.
