NT teen faces terror charges as police seize 3D-printed gun schematics

NT teen charged with collecting documents likely to facilitate terrorist actTopic:CourtsPosted Thu 29 Oct 2026 at 11:06amThu 29 Oct 2026 at 11:06amPaula Hudson says the speed and scale of radicalisation of young people "is becoming one of our most significant challenges". (ABC News: Jerry Rickard)In short:Police have arrested a NT teen after a raid allegedly uncovered documents likely to facilitate a terrorist act and schematics for 3D-printed gunsThe teenager has been charged with one count of collecting documents likely to facilitate terrorist acts, one count of possessing violent extremist material, and one count of possessing or controlling firearms and explosives manufacture material.What's next?The teenager is due to face the NT Youth Justice Court today.Police have charged a Northern Territory teenager with terrorism and extremism offences after seizing what they say are documents likely to facilitate a terrorist act and schematics for 3D-printed guns in a raid yesterday.In a joint statement this morning, investigators from the Australian Federal Police (AFP), NT Police and the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO) alleged the teenager "accessed, discussed and reposted violent extremist material" on social media.A spokesperson for the Joint Counter Terrorism Team said officers executed a search warrant following a tip-off from a member of the public, which allegedly uncovered documents and electronic devices that contained "violent extremist material and referenced violent attacks".Police say the raid followed a tip-off from a member of the public via Crime Stoppers. (ABC News: Alice Roberts)"During an initial examination of the devices, investigators also identified alleged instructional schematics for the manufacture of 3D-printed firearms, and other instructional documents and manuals investigators will allege are likely to facilitate a terrorist act," they said.The teenager has been charged with one count of collecting documents likely to facilitate terrorist acts, one count of possessing violent extremist material, and one count of possessing or controlling firearms and explosives manufacture material.'Speed and scale of radicalisation' a concernAFP counterterrorism commander Paula Hudson said Australia's joint counterterrorism teams were becoming increasingly concerned about the number of young people coming to their attention."It is well documented that terrorists and violent extremists use the online environment to radicalise vulnerable individuals and technology is enabling this to occur at a rapidly increasing rate," she said."The speed and scale of radicalisation is becoming one of our most significant challenges, especially when it comes to young people."Commander Hudson said it would take "a whole-of-society effort to provide the protective factors that keep our youth safe from radicalisation and manipulation".Mark Grieve says it is "deeply concerning to see allegations of this nature involving a young person". (ABC News: Pete Garnish)"Without a serious intervention, the risk is our justice systems, mental health systems, education systems and financial systems will become overwhelmed by youth victims and perpetrators," she said.NT Police Acting Commander Mark Grieve said it was "deeply concerning to see allegations of this nature involving a young person"."Particularly where violent extremist material and information about the manufacture of firearms is alleged to be involved," he said.The teenager, whose age and gender were not disclosed in the statement, is due to face the NT Youth Justice Court today.