Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese spent several hours away from his official residence Tuesday evening after authorities received what turned out to be a false bomb threat targeting his Canberra home.
The Prime Minister was safely evacuated from The Lodge late Tuesday night as a security precaution. He was able to return home after investigators determined no suspicious materials were present on the property.
Law enforcement officials confirmed there is no continuing danger to public safety.
Speaking at a Melbourne event Wednesday, Albanese reflected on the incident and called for cooler heads to prevail across the country.
“I think it’s just a reminder, take every opportunity to tell people, turn the heat down for goodness sake,” Albanese stated.
“We can’t take these things for granted,” he added.
According to Australia’s public broadcaster ABC, the security threat was connected to Shen Yun, a traditional Chinese dance company that China has prohibited and which plans to tour Australia this month.
The threatening message was reportedly sent to local event organizers, falsely stating that explosive devices had been positioned near the Prime Minister’s home and would be set off if the dance company proceeded with their Australian shows, ABC reported.
Law enforcement representatives refused to provide details about where the threat originated.
The New York-headquartered Shen Yun organization has not yet provided a response to requests for comment.
On Wednesday morning, Albanese shared an Instagram post featuring his dog positioned near a doorway at The Lodge, along with a message expressing gratitude to police officers for their professional response.
