Breaking: Prime minister evacuated from The Lodge
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese was evacuated from The Lodge in Canberra during a police response to a security incident, which was later determined to pose no threat.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese underwent a precautionary evacuation from The Lodge due to a security incident that prompted a significant response from the Australian Federal Police (AFP). Authorities responded to the incident around 6 PM and conducted a thorough search of the premises. They later confirmed that nothing suspicious had been found, and there was no ongoing threat to public safety or the community at large.
A spokesperson for the prime minister expressed confidence in the AFP's handling of the situation and acknowledged their efforts. This incident reflects a broader concern regarding safety for politicians in Australia, as there have been reports of threatening communications directed toward various members of the government, including independent senators Lidia Thorpe and Fatima Payman. These occurrences highlight the ongoing risks faced by public officials in their roles.
While the nature of the security incident remains unspecified, the swift response by the police underscores the seriousness with which such threats are taken in the current political climate. The AFP has stated that more details will be released when available, aiming to ensure transparency and public reassurance following the event.