Australia: Suspected Bomb Found at Gold Coast Mosque, Man Charged in Hoax
Police were called to the Islamic Society of Gold Coast mosque in Arundel at around 8:43 PM Sunday, after a “suspicious item” was reported. The Explosive Ordnance Response Team examined the object and declared it safe, confirming the public was never in danger.
A 34-year-old Labrador man has been charged with creating a bomb hoax, trespassing, and obstructing police.
He was held in custody and scheduled to appear at Southport Magistrates' Court on Monday.
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According to local eyewitnesses and mosque officials, a shirtless man entered the men's prayer area, placed the item, and fled in a van. The Islamic Society’s chairman, Hussin Goss, said police remained on-site late into the night to ensure safety. Around 1 AM, the man apparently returned and drove through the community centre gates while “ranting and raving,” prompting further response by authorities.
The incident has unsettled the local Muslim population. Ali Kadri, chief executive of the Islamic College of Brisbane, described the act as a deliberate form of intimidation. He urged authorities to treat such incidents seriously, underlining the importance of protecting worshippers and religious centres.
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Similarly, Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate condemned the incident and called it symptomatic of rising hatred. He pledged unity and noted the city is formulating plans to combat such threats.
The Arundel mosque serves one of Queensland’s largest Muslim communities, home to over 10,000 Muslims on the Gold Coast.
Source: Agencies
