Man accused of threatening staff of Hannah Beazley with nunchuks charged over incident
Police have charged a man accused of entering WA minister Hannah Beazley’s electoral office armed with nunchuks and threatening staff.
Police have charged a man accused of entering WA Minister Hannah Beazley’s electoral office armed with nunchuks and threatening staff.
John Lawrence Smart allegedly entered Ms Beazley’s Victoria Park office just after 1pm on Wednesday.
Police allege that the 56-year-old threatened staff while in possession of the weapon before being arrested a short time later in nearby Bentley.
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By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.Mr Smart, from Bentley, faces has been charged with being armed in a way that may cause fear, making a threat to unlawfully do an act and possessing cannabis.
His bail has been refused and he is due to face court on Thursday.
Ms Beazley described the alleged incident on Wednesday night, saying two staff members were in the office when the man approached the security screen.
“Two staff were there at the time — he was right up at the security screen. He did try to lean through the security screen, but my staff were a safe distance behind,” she said.
“He did want access to me, I believe, but we don’t know his motivations at all.
“When he was escalated, they couldn’t actually understand what he was saying.”
Ms Beazley, who is Minister for Local Government, Disability Services, Volunteering, Youth and Gascoyne, said she became aware of the alleged incident just before question time.
“It is rattling for all. To be honest, it’s not the first time I’ve had threats made against me,” she said.
“But given the heightened environment that we’re in right now, with the really awful attack on Helen Haines . . . absolutely we’re taking every precaution necessary.”
She said her primary concern was the welfare of her staff.
Ms Beazley thanked police for their rapid response, saying officers arrived within “minutes” and arrested the man within half an hour.
“It was extraordinary policing and the support that they have provided,” she said.
The minister said the incident would not change how she approached her role as an accessible local MP.
“I’m a highly accessible member of Parliament. I love that. I’m very well known in my community,” she said.
“Every time I walk down the street, I’m stopped for a conversation. I do not want to see that change at all.”
