- विज्ञापन -
Sydney: Two men have been arrested and charged in Australia for allegedly bringing firearms into a Melbourne sporting event attended by more than 80,000 people.
Victorian police reported that they were called by stadium security on Thursday night to assist with two individuals who were refusing to leave an Australian Football League (AFL) match at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG).
Upon arresting the men, aged 27 and 21, officers conducted a routine search that led to the discovery of two firearms, one of which was loaded, according to Xinhua news agency.
The match, featuring Melbourne rivals Collingwood and Carlton, attracted an audience of 82,058 fans. Authorities stated that no injuries were reported during the incident, and there was no ongoing threat to public safety.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese condemned the incident as “shocking,” expressing his concern on Australian Broadcasting Corporation radio. “This is pretty shocking reporting, frankly, that two men tried to do this. I hope they are severely punished, and I would like to thank Victoria Police for their efforts in ensuring public safety,” he said.
The 27-year-old man faces six charges, including possessing a loaded firearm, carrying ammunition without a license, and having an unregistered handgun. The 21-year-old has been charged with three offenses. Both men, from Melbourne’s northwest, were out on bail while awaiting trial for previous criminal charges.
Victoria Police stated that the incident is not being investigated as a terrorist act. In March 2024, the MCG, which has a capacity of over 100,000, announced a security upgrade requiring all attendees to pass through AI-powered full-body scanners and weapon detectors.
