SYDNEY, March 16 (Xinhua) -- A man has been charged with planning a terror attack in the Australian State of New South Wales (NSW), after police became aware of his radical right-wing online activities, authorities said on Monday.
Police allege that the 21-year-old man, from Nowra in NSW's southeast, was attempting to procure military equipment including firearms, and items capable of making improvised explosive devices.
He has been charged with one count of acts done in preparation for, or planning, terrorist acts - the maximum penalty for which is life imprisonment.
Australian Federal Police Assistant Commissioner for counter terrorism Scott Lee said that the decision to act and take the suspect off the streets on Saturday was partially spurred by the anniversary of the mosque shooting in Christchurch and the similarities in the men's ideologies.
Sunday marked the one-year anniversary of the Christchurch mosque shooting in New Zealand which killed 51 people and injured dozens of others.
"The decision to execute these warrants and charge a man was made to mitigate any immediate threat, ensure the ongoing safety of the community and prevent further planning or preparations that could have resulted in a terrorist attack in Australia," Lee said.
In February, police became aware of a number of online posts the 21-year-old had made containing an extreme right wing and anti-government ideology, and commenced an investigation involving the NSW Joint Counter Terrorism Team (JCTT).
After witnessing allegedly "escalating criminal actions" undertaken by the man, police executed search warrants on properties and vehicles, seizing tactical equipment and paintball guns, as well as four registered firearms from the home of an associate of the man.
"Our officers have acted swiftly in this case as the behavior online was of significant concern," NSW Police Force Counter Terrorism and Special Tactics Commander, Assistant Commissioner Mark Walton said.
"There is no place for violent extremism in our community and we need to continue to unite in condemning this behavior."
