Shen Yun Tour Triggers Bomb Threat Against Anthony Albanese

A bomb scare at the Australian prime minister’s residence was linked to threats targeting Shen Yun, a New York-based Chinese dance and music group banned by Beijing.

Shen Yun, founded by the religious movement Falun Gong — which is banned in China — reported the threat to the police. (Photo: Shen Yun Facebook)

According to BBC News, emails warned performers to cancel their upcoming Australian shows or risk explosives being detonated at The Lodge, the prime minister’s official residence in Canberra.

Authorities confirmed they responded to an “alleged security incident” at Albanese’s home on Tuesday but said “nothing suspicious was located.” 

The prime minister was evacuated at around 18:00 local time and taken to another location for several hours.

One email claimed large quantities of nitroglycerine had been placed around the residence and warned that if performances proceeded, the Lodge would be destroyed.

Shen Yun, founded by the religious movement Falun Gong — which is banned in China — reported the threat to the police. In a statement, the group said it would proceed with its performances and called on the Australian government to conduct a comprehensive investigation.

In a social media post the following morning, Albanese thanked police and supporters, sharing a photo of his cavoodle. “Toto on alert but all good,” he wrote.