Sydney Teen Arrested for Death Threats Against President Herzog Ahead of High-Stakes State Visit
The plot to target the Israeli President comes as he prepares to meet the families of 15 victims murdered in Australia’s deadliest terror attack in decades
Australian authorities have filed charges against 19-year-old Darcy Tinning for allegedly making death threats against Israeli President Isaac Herzog. The threats were discovered on social media just days before the President is scheduled to arrive in the country for a high-profile state visit.
Federal police arrested Tinning following an investigation into online posts targeting a "protected international person." While official police statements used the general terminology, local media quickly confirmed President Herzog as the primary target.
Tinning faces up to 10 years in prison if convicted. During a raid on his residence, police confiscated a mobile phone and drug-related paraphernalia. Reports indicate that Tinning also directed threats toward President Donald Trump.
Authorities denied bail, and the suspect is scheduled to appear in a Sydney court today
President Herzog’s five-day visit, beginning this Sunday, comes at the invitation of Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. The trip serves as a mission of solidarity following the horrific Bondi Beach Hanukkah Massacre in December 2025.
The December attack remains the deadliest act of terrorism in Australia in three decades.
Two ISIS-inspired gunmen opened fire on a "Hanukkah by the Sea" event hosted by the local Chabad community.
The massacre claimed 15 lives, including Chabad emissaries and a 10-year-old child. President Herzog is expected to meet with survivors and the bereaved families during his stay.
The upcoming visit has sparked significant friction within Australia:
Pro-Palestinian groups, including "Palestine Action," have organized rallies, prompting New South Wales police to restrict demonstrations in certain parts of Sydney due to "significant hostility."
Despite the protests, Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles reaffirmed the government's stance, calling Herzog a "welcome and honored guest" who will receive standard high-level security protection.
The visit coincides with the Prime Minister’s recent announcement of a Royal Commission into the Bondi Beach massacre. While initially hesitant, the Australian government established the commission, the country's highest form of inquiry, to address national security failures and promote communal unity following the tragedy.
