Melbourne teenager allegedly downloaded videos 'idolising' mass murderers while planning attacks

A Melbourne teenager was downloading graphic videos of mass murders while allegedly taking steps to carry out his own attacks, a court has heard.

Victoria Police arrested the 19-year-old, who cannot be identified for legal reasons, after they received a tip-off from the FBI earlier this year.

In court documents, police raised concerns the teenager was "possibly mimicking" terrorists and killers, alleging he downloaded videos "idolising" the actions of right-wing mass murderers.

Police searches of his home in September allegedly uncovered chemicals used in explosives, weapons and tactical gear similar to what the killers wore at mass shootings in Christchurch, Buffalo and Brazil.

Investigators believed his plans were plausible because the teenager was actively trying to manufacture firearms and improvised explosive devices, according to police documents.

In documents, police called the contents of the downloaded videos "extremely graphic and concerning". They said the videos were downloaded between May and August 2024, the same time he was allegedly making coded notes and purchasing "explosive chemicals" online.

The teenager is facing explosives-related charges.

He has been in custody since September, and police were raiding his prison cell on Thursday when the 19-year-old was in the Melbourne Magistrates' Court applying for bail in a bid for freedom. 

Investigators allegedly uncovered more concerning notes, the court was told.

Magistrate Malcolm Thomas adjourned the hearing overnight then rejected the bail application on Friday.

'This is about killing people,' magistrate says

The court heard a vulnerable 19-year-old in an adult prison who may not face trial for years would usually be granted bail — but not in this case.

"This is about killing people," Magistrate Thomas told the court on Friday.

"The potential harm if the risk eventuates cannot be overstated," he said.

The teenager, who has autism, sat still with his head slightly bowed throughout proceedings.

He listened calmly while his defence barrister Julia Kretzenbacher told the court her client was vulnerable because of his age and disability.

She said the teen had recently been given a new NDIS plan with a significant increase in funding and if released, he would be supervised around the clock.

The teen's father testified he and his wife would supervise their son, confiscate his devices and ban him from using the internet.

Magistrate Thomas acknowledged the teenager had loving parents who were committed to helping their son, but was not convinced that would moderate the risk to the community.

Prosecutors told the court his arrest had not changed the teenager's behaviour, and there was a genuine concern he had a hidden stash of chemicals.

The magistrate agreed, concluding the risk of releasing him was unacceptable.

"At least one purchase of chemicals by him that have not been accounted for … there's a real possibility of a hidden cache, potentially accessible by him if released," Magistrate Thomas said.

Bail denied for the second time

The teenager's bail was previously denied in October, when Magistrate Luisa Bazzani found his notes were proof of murderous intent.

"The applicant has demonstrated not just ideation to commit horrendous, violent crimes against innocent people, but he has pursued a path to realising that ideation," she said at the time.

Magistrate Bazzani said the teenager's notes allegedly included plans for "a shooting at a bus stop, the bombing of a university, the poisoning of water supply, a train derailment, a school shooting and the killing of police officers".

This week, prosecutors told the court the Commonwealth was considering laying further charges.

The teenager is due back in court next year. He is yet to enter a plea to the charges.

The case is still in its early stages and it may be years until he faces a potential trial.