Key Takeaways:
- Far-right associates of neo-Nazis threatened to kidnap the Prime Minister and send bombs to mosques through the post after the Bondi terror attack.
- Police raids were conducted on two separate individuals, one of whom was a neo-Nazi associate, over alleged threats to abduct the Prime Minister.
- Experts warn of a growing underbelly of online extremism, with rhetoric escalating before Australia Day rallies.
- The National Socialist Network (NSN) has disbanded, but its members may be more volatile than ever.
- March for Australia organisers have been revealed as associates of neo-Nazis, despite denying the NSN’s involvement in the marches.
Introduction to the Threats
In the aftermath of the Bondi terror attack, far-right associates of neo-Nazis made disturbing threats, including kidnapping the Prime Minister and sending bombs to mosques. These threats were made in an online chat room on the Discord platform, which was promoted by a key March for Australia organiser. The chat room was filled with neo-Nazis, and the threats were made in the hours following the terror attack. The police were quick to respond, conducting two separate raids on individuals who made these threats.
The Discord Chat Room
The Discord chat room, which was promoted by March for Australia organiser Hugo Lennon, was a hotbed of extremist rhetoric. The chat room was filled with swastikas, racism, and rape jokes, and pictures of the Christchurch mass murderer Brenton Tarrant were also shared. Experts warn that these are coded threats and a warning sign of outsized neo-Nazi influence on Australia’s right. The chat room was also used to discuss and plan the abduction of the Prime Minister, with one user offering $10,000 to carry out the plot.
The Police Response
The police response to these threats was swift, with two separate raids conducted on individuals who made these threats. One of the individuals, a 27-year-old plumber named Nathan Ballesty, was a long-time associate of the NSN and had been pictured with prominent neo-Nazis at events and in social media posts. The police seized his phone and devices, and he was released on bail under strict conditions, including not to use Discord. The police also raided another individual, who had claimed in the same chat room that he could make high-powered bombs to send to mosques.
The National Socialist Network
The National Socialist Network (NSN) has disbanded, but its members may be more volatile than ever. The NSN was a neo-Nazi group that was known for its extremist rhetoric and violent actions. The group’s leader, Thomas Sewell, was a key figure in the March for Australia rallies, and his followers were known to be violent and aggressive. The NSN’s disbandment may have been a tactical move to avoid the government’s new extremism crackdown, but it is unclear what this means for the group’s members and their future actions.
March for Australia Organisers
March for Australia organisers have been revealed as associates of neo-Nazis, despite denying the NSN’s involvement in the marches. The organisers, including self-proclaimed nationalist Bec Freedom and white supremacist Matt Trihey, have been shown to have ties to the NSN and its members. Freedom has denied any involvement with the NSN, but has been caught on film co-ordinating with key NSN figures and has praised NSN leaders as "f—ing great". The marches have been marred by violence and extremist rhetoric, and it is unclear what role the NSN and its members will play in future events.
The Escalation of Rhetoric
The rhetoric surrounding the March for Australia rallies has escalated in recent weeks, with experts warning of a growing underbelly of online extremism. The marches have been promoted as a "spontaneous" groundswell of "everyday Australians", but in reality, they have been orchestrated by far-right influencers and neo-Nazis. The marches have descended into violence, with neo-Nazis storming an Indigenous camp and allegedly attacking counterprotesters. The escalation of rhetoric and the involvement of neo-Nazis in the marches have raised concerns about the safety of attendees and the potential for further violence.
Conclusion
The threats made by far-right associates of neo-Nazis in the aftermath of the Bondi terror attack are a disturbing reminder of the growing underbelly of online extremism in Australia. The police response to these threats has been swift, but it is unclear what this means for the future of the NSN and its members. The involvement of March for Australia organisers with neo-Nazis has raised concerns about the safety of attendees and the potential for further violence. As the rhetoric surrounding the marches continues to escalate, it is essential that authorities take a strong stance against extremism and work to prevent further violence.
