Chaotic scenes erupted at Perth Airport on Wednesday afternoon after a man allegedly threatened to blow up the international terminal, according to authorities.
Threats and suspicious bag
Prosecutors claim that Keiron Beau James Hedges, 57, told airport staff, “I’m going to blow this place up” and “if you don’t leave now you will be blown up.” The accused, who is from Victoria, also allegedly dumped a backpack before leaving the area.
“The suspicious bag was found directly outside terminal one,” said AFP Detective Acting Superintendent Peter Brindal. “It was the manner of the way the bag was left by itself and allegedly on top of a bin - just in a suspicious manner.”
Passenger delays and police response
The alleged threats were made around 2.30pm, prompting a swift response from state and federal police. An exclusion zone was established, causing travel plans for more than 1000 passengers to be put on hold for several hours. The bomb squad was called in to clear the bag, and the terminal was finally reopened at 6.30pm.
Hedges was arrested a short time later in the Perth CBD by Western Australia Police. He has been charged with making a false communication that could be inferred as a threat to a Commonwealth aerodrome.
Court appearance and bail
During a court appearance on Thursday, Hedges interrupted the prosecutor and magistrate after the court indicated it would not consider bail. The bail hearing has been deferred for a week.
In a statement, Detective Acting Superintendent Brindal emphasised the importance of aviation security: “Travelling through airports should be a safe experience for passengers, staff and airline crew alike. The AFP will continue to work closely with airline partners to deal with any behaviour that interferes with aviation security.”
