A major defence industry conference took a chaotic turn in Canberra when rocks were thrown through a glass door of the Hyatt Hotel, causing alarm among the attendees. The incident occurred while Chief of Navy Mark Hammond was delivering a speech, prompting immediate reactions from the audience, including shouts of a shooter being present, leading many to hide or flee. Such incidents can have serious implications for the security of high-profile gatherings, especially those involving national defence personnel.

ACT Police quickly responded to the situation, with Detective Inspector Dave Craft confirming that they are searching for two suspicious individuals who rode away on bicycles after throwing the rocks and another unspecified object into the venue. Although there was initial concern about the potential presence of an explosive device, authorities clarified that it was not an explosive, helping to alleviate some of the panic that ensued among conference participants.

This incident highlights not only the vulnerabilities faced by conferences involving national security but also the swift action required by law enforcement in delicate situations. With high-profile events attracting attention, maintaining security is paramount, and such disruptions pose significant questions about the adequacy of security measures in place to protect attendees at these important conferences.