Premier Foils Potential Mass Casualty Event with Discovery of Caravan of Explosives
In a chilling turn of events, a caravan laden with explosives and concerning documents hinting at a targeted attack on the Jewish community has been unearthed by a vigilant resident in Dural, north of Sydney. The NSW Premier has swiftly labelled this discovery as a terrorist threat that could have potentially resulted in a catastrophic “mass casualty event.”
The caravan containing Powergel explosives was found on the side of Derriwong Road, sparking a massive investigation involving over 100 police personnel. Deputy Police Commissioner David Hudson, in a recent press conference, revealed that detectives strongly suspect the explosives were intended for an antisemitic assault. He stated, “That caravan contained an amount of explosives and some indication that those explosives might be used in some form of antisemitic attack.”
This disturbing revelation has sent shockwaves through the community, prompting NSW Premier Chris Minns to emphasize the severity of the situation. He affirmed that the threat is being taken “incredibly seriously” and acknowledged the diligent efforts of law enforcement in swiftly responding to the potential danger posed by the explosives.
Arrests have been made in connection to the discovery, with Deputy Police Commissioner Hudson highlighting the delicate nature of ongoing inquiries. While speculation abounds regarding the motives behind leaving the caravan to be discovered, Hudson emphasized that the police are exploring all possible angles to determine the intent behind this alarming find.
The gravity of the situation was underscored by Premier Minns, who unequivocally labeled the discovery as an act of terrorism. Expressing concern over the rising tide of antisemitic attacks, Minns reiterated the government’s unwavering commitment to combatting hatred and violence in the community. He stressed, “There’s bad actors in our community, badly motivated, bad ideologies, bad morals, bad ethics, bad people.”
Peter Wertheim, co-chief executive of the Executive Council of Australian Jewry, reassured the public that there is no ongoing threat related to the discovery. He emphasized the need for a thorough investigation to unravel the circumstances surrounding the incident and urged swift action to address any potential risks to the community.
In a show of solidarity, the NSW Jewish Board of Deputies expressed grave concern over the documents found alongside the explosives. President David Ossip highlighted the severity of the situation, emphasizing the need for heightened security measures and close collaboration with law enforcement to ensure the safety of the Jewish community.
As the investigation unfolds, Deputy Police Commissioner Hudson reiterated that there is currently no active threat to the community, providing a measure of relief amidst the prevailing unease. The recent targeting of the former residence of Alex Ryvchin, co-chief executive of the Executive Council of Australian Jewry, further underscores the need for vigilance and proactive measures to safeguard against potential threats.
In the face of these alarming developments, the community remains on high alert, with law enforcement agencies working diligently to uncover the motives behind the discovery of the caravan of explosives. The resolve to combat terrorism, violence, and hatred within the community is unwavering, as authorities and community leaders join forces to ensure the safety and security of all individuals in the face of such threats.