Police arrest man allegedly planning Melbourne New Years Eve attack

A 20-year-old was arrested at a house in Weeibee at 3pm on Monday by Victoria Police, Australian Federal Police and ASIO Officers. 

He is currently being interviewed in relation to the offences of preparing to commit a terrorist attack and collecting documents to facilitate a terrorist act.

In a press conference this morning, Victoria Police say the man allegedly plotted to obtain a firearm to 'shoot and kill as many people as he could' at Melbourne’s Federation Square on New Year’s Eve.

'The allegations are that he was planning to commit a terrorist act and that he attempted to obtain a gun to do so,' Victoria Police Deputy Commissioner Shane Patton said in a press conference this morning. 

'What we will be alleging is that he was intending to use a firearm to shoot and kill as many people as he could in the Federation Square area on New Year’s Eve.

'The male is one of our high-risk persons of interest. We have been monitoring him for a very lengthy period of time,' Patton continued. 

It’s alleged the man accessed a guidebook produced by al-Qaeda containing information on how to commit a terrorist act and use firearms, guns and handguns and rifles.

'Victoria Police and the Australian Federal Police would like to reassure the community that the threat has been contained and there is no on-going risk posed by this individual,' a Victorian police spokesperson added. 

'Victoria has well tested, cooperative, counter terrorism and emergency management plans in place and constantly monitor and assess our preparedness to respond to a range of emergencies.'

This article originally appeared on New Idea.