Twist for man accused of threatening to kidnap Prime Minister Anthony Albanese
Prosecutors have dropped charges against a man accused of threatening serious harm against the prime minister in an online
Nathan Ballesty was arrested in December after he allegedly posted an online threat calling for Anthony Albanese to be kidnapped.
The post followed a series of offensive communications sent by the 27-year-old, primarily through the messaging platform Discord, according to police at the time.
LIVE UPDATES: Trump says new Iran leader 'probably' alive as conspiracies swirl
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese during Question Time at Parliament House in Canberra on Monday 2 March 2026. fedpol Photo: Alex Ellinghausen Alex Ellinghausen
Days before his arrest, he allegedly performed a Nazi salute in public in his home suburb of Beacon Hill on Sydney's northern beaches.
While 11 charges remain, a charge of threatening serious harm against the prime minister has been withdrawn, federal prosecutors have told AAP.
The alleged conduct is covered by a less serious charge of using a carriage service to menace or offend.
The newer charge alleges he engaged in a call on Discord with unknown others on December 15 which would be regarded as offensive or menacing.
READ MORE: Bank jumps the gun with fixed rate hike before predicted RBA double blow
If convicted of that charge, Ballesty faces a maximum of three years in prison, down from the seven-year term attached to the serious harm threat offence.
Ballesty is facing 11 charges, including eight counts of using a carriage service to menace or offend and one count of making a Nazi salute in a public place.
The 27-year-old has not entered pleas to the charges against him.
He will remain behind bars on remand until he returns to court in May.
Ballesty's home was raided on December 21 after a national security investigation spearheaded by federal police.
Several electronic devices were seized for examination.
Federal police have made threats to MPs a particular focus in the past year.
NEVER MISS A STORY: Get your breaking news and exclusive stories first by following us across all platforms.
- Download the 9NEWS App here via Apple and Google Play
- Make 9News your preferred source on Google by ticking this box here
- Sign up to our breaking newsletter here
Share a tip-off, video or photo with us
