A 20-year-old man has been charged after an incident at a defense industry conference held at the Hyatt Hotel in Canberra, where he allegedly threw a 'lit incendiary device' through a window while Chief of Navy Vice-Admiral Mark Hammond was speaking. The prosecution described the object as cylindrical and covered in aluminum foil, which, upon inspection by the Australian Federal Police (AFP) bomb response team, contained leaf litter. The man's actions created a significant safety concern during a high-profile military event.

During the court proceedings, the prosecution revealed that the man lit the fuse of the device before throwing it, leading to a serious charge being laid against him. Despite the gravity of the situation, the magistrate granted bail under strict conditions, indicating an opportunity for the accused to defend the charges in the upcoming court hearings scheduled for March. This incident not only raises concerns about security at defense-related events but also may reflect a growing public unrest regarding military policies.

As the case proceeds, it highlights the potential for serious consequences during public gatherings, especially those involving high-ranking military officials. It also brings attention to the need for enhanced security measures to prevent such acts of violence, which could have severe implications for public safety and the atmosphere of political discourse in Australia.