Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said today he was not taking his safety "for granted" after he was evacuated from his home for several hours on Tuesday due to an alleged bomb threat.
Albanese was evacuated from his Canberra home late Tuesday local time after a security threat and returned several hours later after nothing suspicious was found, Reuters reported, citing police who said there was no ongoing threat.
"I think it's just a reminder, take every opportunity to warn people and reduce tensions. We can't take these things for granted," Albanese said at an event in Melbourne today.
The bomb threat was sent to a representative of Shen Yun, a classical Chinese dance troupe banned in China, which was scheduled to perform in Australia this month.
An email written in Chinese and sent to the group's local organizers said explosives had been placed around Albanese's home and would be detonated if the dance group performed in the country.
"All threats have been reported to Australian security services and law enforcement. We appreciate the steps taken to ensure public safety and protect elected officials, including the prime minister," the Chinese dance troupe said, Tanjug reports.
