Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese was evacuated from his official Canberra residence, The Lodge, on Tuesday evening, February 24, 2026, after police received a bomb threat. The threat was reportedly linked to upcoming performances by a Chinese dance group. Australian Federal Police (AFP) officers responded quickly to the incident, conducting a thorough search of the property. The Prime Minister returned to his residence several hours later after authorities confirmed no danger.[theguardian+2]
Bomb Threat Details Emerge
The security incident unfolded around 6 PM local time on Tuesday. Reports indicated the threat falsely claimed explosives had been placed around The Lodge. The message reportedly demanded the cancellation of performances by the Chinese dance group Shen Yun, threatening harm to Prime Minister Albanese if the shows proceeded.[theguardian+1]
A spokesperson for Falun Dafa, a group associated with Shen Yun, told Guardian Australia that one of their colleagues received two threats in recent weeks. These threats, written in Chinese, warned of harm against Albanese if the performances went ahead. The second threat arrived this week, prompting the evacuation.[theguardian]
The Australian Federal Police responded rapidly to the alleged security incident. Officers moved Prime Minister Albanese to another location for several hours as they initiated a comprehensive three-hour search of The Lodge. Emergency vehicles were seen at the Prime Minister's residence during the operation.[hindustantimes+2]
Police Confirm No Ongoing Danger
Following the extensive search, police found nothing suspicious at the residence. The AFP released a statement confirming that "nothing suspicious was located" and "there is no current threat to the community or public safety." Prime Minister Albanese was able to return to The Lodge after 9 PM on Tuesday night.[theguardian+2]
Finance Minister Katy Gallagher described the events of Tuesday night as "extraordinary" and "very troubling." She noted that she was not aware of a similar security threat ever forcing a prime minister to evacuate The Lodge before.Gallagher emphasized the need for Australians to "peacefully make your point" rather than resorting to violent threats.[theguardian+2]
Opposition Leader Angus Taylor expressed relief that Albanese was safe and condemned the threats. Taylor stated that "threats against any parliamentarian are utterly abhorrent." He added that Australia is a country "built on expressing our differences through debate."[hindustantimes+1]
Chinese Embassy Responds Amid Rising Threats
The bomb threat specifically referenced Shen Yun, a classical dance performance group. This group is banned in China and is associated with the spiritual movement Falun Dafa, also known as Falun Gong. Both Shen Yun and Falun Dafa are strongly outspoken against the Chinese Communist Party (CCP).[theguardian+1]
The Chinese embassy in Australia commented on the incident, stating it "opposes all forms of violent attacks." However, the spokesperson also criticized Shen Yun and Falun Gong, labeling the cultural show as a "political tool" used by the spiritual group to "disseminate anti-China narratives and cult ideology."[sbs]
This incident highlights a growing concern over security threats targeting federal politicians and public officials in Australia. The AFP confirmed that the threat was the latest in a series of politically motivated actions against parliamentarians. In the 2024/25 financial year, the AFP investigated 950 such incidents.This number represents a 63 percent increase compared to the previous four financial years combined.[sbs+2]
In October 2025, AFP Commissioner Krissy Barrett announced the formation of new National Security Investigation teams. These teams aim to counter hate-related threats, including those directed at elected representatives. Since their establishment, 21 individuals have been charged nationwide.[ilkha+1]
Prime Minister Albanese and his senior ministers have repeatedly called for a de-escalation of tensions amid social conflicts. They stress the importance of maintaining civil political debate and disagreeing without resorting to threats of violence.[canberradaily]
The evacuation of the Prime Minister from his official residence underscores the serious nature of security challenges facing public figures. Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely, ensuring precautionary measures remain in place to protect officials and critical institutions across the nation.
