Importance Score: 55 / 100 🔵
Major Security Incident at Melbourne Cricket Ground: Men Allegedly Enter AFL Match Armed
A significant security incident unfolded at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) during an Australian Football League (AFL) game on Thursday night, after two men reportedly gained entry to the venue while carrying firearms. The security breach occurred during the match between Carlton and Collingwood, with over 82,000 spectators in attendance, prompting serious concerns about stadium security protocols.
Firearms Discovered During Security Check
According to reports, the two individuals successfully entered the MCG grounds armed before security personnel discovered the weapons concealed on their person. The incident occurred amidst a large crowd of 82,058 people attending the Carlton vs. Collingwood AFL match.
Australian media outlets have identified the men as Omar Salam, 21, and Mohamad Noori, 27.
Incident Unfolds During Match
The situation escalated during the second half of the game when the pair allegedly became disruptive and refused requests from stadium security to leave. This prompted security to contact Victoria Police, leading to a search of the men and the subsequent discovery of the firearms.
Law enforcement officers located two firearms during the search, with one weapon found to be loaded.
Arrests and Firearms Charges
While no injuries were reported in connection with the incident, a heightened police presence was observed in and around the MCG following the match.
Both Salam and Noori have been formally charged with multiple firearms offenses. One of the men faces an additional charge of possessing a loaded firearm.
Salam appeared before the court on Friday and was remanded in custody until April 16. Noori is also expected to face court proceedings.
Police Rule Out Terrorism Link
The motives behind the men carrying weapons into the AFL match remain unclear. However, Victoria Police have stated that, at this stage, the incident is not being treated as terrorism-related.
Melbourne Cricket Club Responds to Security Lapse
The security lapse has elicited strong reactions. Melbourne Cricket Club (MCC) CEO Stuart Fox addressed the incident, describing it as “extremely disappointing and upsetting.” Fox emphasized the need for further investment in “new technologies to assist us in keeping the community safe.”
MCC Initiates Security Review
In a public statement, Fox acknowledged that “security screening units identified items of concern,” but an internal investigation revealed “a breakdown in the thoroughness of the secondary and manual screening process.”
The MCC CEO announced immediate measures to enhance security protocols, stating, “As a result, we will be increasing the extensiveness of the secondary manual security process and patrons may experience slight delays as they attend upcoming events.”
Fox affirmed the MCC’s commitment to security collaboration, adding, “We will continue to work closely with Victoria Police, the AFL and our security provider in executing the MCG’s security procedures.”
Victorian Premier Calls for Security Review
Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan has also responded to the incident, expressing “concern” and calling for a comprehensive review of security measures at the venue. Allan emphasized the necessity for a “thorough review” to understand the events and determine what “further measures need to be taken” to ensure public safety at the MCG.
MCG Security Upgrades and AI Scanners
The Melbourne Cricket Ground recently implemented security upgrades, including the installation of AI-powered scanners, prior to the 2024 AFL season. These upgrades were intended to expedite and improve the efficiency of the security screening process for spectators entering the venue.