Overview
- Police first encountered the boy after an alleged knife threat at a Maryborough business and dealt with him under youth justice laws for several offences.
- Detectives from the Counter Terrorism Investigation Group and the Maryborough Child Protection Investigation Unit executed a search warrant at a Maryborough address and seized an electronic device.
- Authorities charged the 13-year-old with one count of preparing or planning to cause death or grievous bodily harm and one count of possessing or controlling violent extremist material obtained by a carriage service.
- The boy made a brief court appearance and remains before the youth justice system with a further appearance scheduled at Hervey Bay Children's Court as inquiries continue.
- Investigators say examining the seized device is central to determining motive and any ongoing risk to local schools, and police continue an active probe into the matter.