SYDNEY, Feb 25 (Reuters) – Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said on Wednesday he did not take his security for granted, after being evacuated from his residence following a bomb threat linked to a Chinese dance group.
Albanese was evacuated from his Canberra residence late on Tuesday and returned a few hours later after nothing suspicious was found. Police said there was no ongoing risk. The threat was sent to a representative of Shen Yun, a classical Chinese dance troupe banned in China, which is due to perform in Australia this month.
The email, originally written in Chinese, claimed explosives had been placed around Albanese’s residence and would detonate if the group performed.“If you insist on proceeding with the performance, then the prime minister’s residence will be reduced to a blood-soaked ruin,” read one of the emails, dated Sunday and seen by Reuters. The group reported the threats to Australian national security and law enforcement authorities.
A spokesperson said, “We appreciate the steps taken to ensure public safety and to protect elected officials, including the prime minister.”Police declined to comment on the source of the threat. Speaking in Melbourne, Albanese said, “I think it’s just a reminder, take every opportunity to tell people, turn the heat down for goodness sake. We can’t take these things for granted.”
Earlier, Albanese posted a photo on Instagram of his dog at The Lodge, his official residence, thanking police for their work.
