Story perspectives

Man arrested for nunchuck threats against WA minister’s office

By Drooid · Oct 22, 2026, 6:23 AM UTC · How we work

Summary

Police Arrest Man

Police arrested a 56-year-old man for threatening Western Australian Local Government Minister Hannah Beazley’s office with nunchucks.
The arrest occurred in Bentley on 21 October 2026 and included charges of threats, armed intimidation and cannabis possession.
He was denied bail and will appear before Perth Magistrates Court later.
Premier Roger Cook called the incident appalling and urged stronger staff safety measures.

Summary

MPs Face Threats

Mark Folkard, MP for Mindarie, said he has been stalked for years.
Greens MP Sophie McNeill reported a graphic social-media threat she could not disclose.
One Nation WA leader Rod Caddies said a man threatened to follow him home and kill him.
Police minister Adam Hort warned the threats could curb access to MPs, calling it a dark week.
Premier Roger Cook announced security will focus on Parliament House, electorate offices and MPs’ homes.

History

Historical Context

John Newman, a NSW Labor MP, was shot dead on 5 September 1994, the first parliamentarian killing in Australia since Percy Brookfield’s 1921 murder. His death triggered a Cabramatta by-election and, after a lengthy investigation, led to Phuong Canh Ngo’s 2001 life sentence. Today, threats to WA ministers echo that 1994 violence, prompting A$1.5 million security funding and 150 officers protecting legislators.

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Police Arrest Man

Police arrested a 56-year-old man for threatening Western Australian Local Government Minister Hannah Beazley’s office with nunchucks.
The arrest occurred in Bentley on 21 October 2026 and included charges of threats, armed intimidation and cannabis possession.
He was denied bail and will appear before Perth Magistrates Court later.
Premier Roger Cook called the incident appalling and urged stronger staff safety measures.

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