Man charged following Canberra Airport incident

Canberra Airport incident

A 63-year-old NSW man has been charged with firearm offences following an incident yesterday afternoon (Sunday, 14 August 2022) at Canberra Airport.  

Police will allege that the man arrived at Canberra Airport at approximately 1.20pm before sitting on seats near the southern check-in desks on the first floor.  

At about 1.25pm he drew a firearm and deployed a number of shots into windows of the building.  

Emergency 000 calls were placed by the public, and AFP Airport Police who are stationed within the airport terminal apprehended the man. No persons were injured during the incident.  

Canberra Airport was evacuated and members of ACT Policing and AFP Airport Police worked in partnership to secure the area – including confirming the man was acting alone. He was transported to the ACT Watch House and an investigation commenced.  

During the evacuation there were aircraft with passengers that remained on the airfield. 

Canberra Airport returned to normal operations at about 5.00pm, with flights resuming shortly afterwards.  

The man is set to appear in the ACT Magistrates Court this morning (Monday, 14 August 2022) where bail will be opposed. 

He has been charged with discharging a firearm at a building, unlawful possession of a firearm and discharging a firearm near a person causing alarm. 

ACT Policing urges any witnesses who haven't already spoken to police, to call Crimestoppers on 1800 333 000 and quote reference 7187298. 

 

Media enquiries 

Police Media — (02) 5126 9070, act-police-media@afp.gov.au 

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