In a case that has drawn national attention and stirred fresh debate on online hate and community safety in Australia, a Perth man has been charged after allegedly posting material online that appeared to endorse the deadly terror attack at Bondi Beach, which killed 15 people at a Hanukkah celebration earlier this month. The arrest has also led to the seizure of firearms, ammunition and extremist paraphernalia from his home as authorities intensify efforts to curb hate speech and prevent further violence.
The Arrest and Charges
On Tuesday, Western Australia Police executed a search warrant at a suburban Yangebup residence, arresting 39-year-old Martin Thomas Glynn, who has since been charged with several offences. According to police media statements, the charges include:
- Conduct intended to racially harass
- Carrying or possessing a prohibited weapon
- Failing to correctly store firearms
All of the man’s firearms licences will now be reviewed, and he has been remanded in custody ahead of a forthcoming court appearance.
The arrest is part of Operation Dalewood, a Western Australia Police initiative launched in the wake of the Bondi terror attack to identify and respond swiftly to racially or religiously motivated hate activity online and offline.
Social Media Posts and Public Tip-off
Police allege that Glynn took to social media shortly after the Bondi Beach shooting on 14 December, in which two gunmen attacked a crowd of Jewish worshippers celebrating Hanukkah, resulting in 15 fatalities. Authorities say Glynn’s posts endorsed the attackers and included antisemitic sentiment — prompting community concern.
The arrest was triggered after a member of the public reported the disturbing content, leading investigators to Glynn’s home. WA Police Commissioner Col Blanch described the social media comments as “of grave concern … totally unacceptable and abhorrent.”
Weapons, Ammunition and Extremist Material Seized
During the search of the Yangebup property, officers seized an extensive cache of weapons and materials, including:
- Six registered rifles and a reported 4,000 rounds of ammunition
- Flags linked to militant groups such as Hamas and Hezbollah
- Handwritten notebooks containing ideologically charged material
- Images and open-source information related to smoke grenade bombs and explosive devices
Prosecutors told the court that notebooks found in the home included strongly antisemitic comments and references to Hitler and the Holocaust. An illegal flick knife was also discovered in a bedside drawer.
Police clarified that the display of some items, such as a Palestinian flag outside the house, was not inherently unlawful, but the totality of materials contributed to concerns about potential escalation.
Court Proceedings and Bail Refused
Glynn appeared before Fremantle Magistrates Court on Wednesday, representing himself. In the hearing, the magistrate refused bail, citing the strength of the prosecution case and the need to protect public safety in light of the bondi shooting and alleged online content.
The maximum penalty for conduct intended to racially harass can reach up to five years’ imprisonment, and prosecutors have indicated the alleged conduct falls well within the more serious end of that spectrum.
Political and Community Reaction
The case has underscored broader concerns about the rise of online hate speech and radicalisation. Western Australia’s police minister condemned the alleged endorsement of a terror attack, describing it as “appalling … totally unacceptable,” and emphasising that support for violent acts has no place in Australian society.
At the national level, authorities have been under pressure to reinforce laws addressing racial harassment, antisemitism and extremist violence — particularly in the wake of the Bondi incident. Political leaders, including the Prime Minister, have reiterated support for strong enforcement and community protections.
The arrest also touches on debates about freedom of expression versus public safety, prompting discussion about how social media platforms and law enforcement can better detect and deter violent or hate-based rhetoric before it escalates. Independent experts have warned that hate speech can fuel broader societal tensions and must be balanced with constitutional rights.
Context: Bondi Beach Terror Attack and Hate Crime Enforcement
The alleged offending occurred in the immediate aftermath of the Bondi Beach terror attack, in which 15 people were killed when two gunmen opened fire on Jewish community members during a Hanukkah celebration. The incident sparked national grief, condemnation, and renewed focus on extremism and antisemitism in Australia.
In response, several states have enacted or proposed tougher hate-crime legislation, expanded databases to track offenders, and enhanced policing operations to prevent retaliation or further incidents. Operation Shelter in NSW and similar efforts in Western Australia reflect this trend.
Public Safety and Future Investigations
Police have stated they do not believe Glynn was part of a broader organised network or that he posed an ongoing immediate threat. However, they continue to investigate and monitor related activity as part of a broader strategy to safeguard communities from hate-motivated behaviour.
The case is set to return to court in early February, where additional evidence and arguments are expected to be heard. Meanwhile, Glynn remains in custody as authorities and community leaders grapple with the ramifications of the incident and its connection to wider issues of online radicalisation, racial harassment and legislative enforcement in Australia.
7 years in the field, from local radio to digital newsrooms. Loves chasing the stories that matter to everyday Aussies – whether it’s climate, cost of living or the next big thing in tech.
