Anti-weapons protesters who vandalised a defence manufacturer and set nearby vehicles alight in Melbourne could face life imprisonment, after police stated the incident is being investigated as an act of terrorism by "far-left extremists". The Australian federal police, Victorian police, and spy agency Asio are examining the incident that occurred at Melbourne-based Lovitt Technologies on 5 July 2025.
A joint statement indicated that the incident was potentially perpetrated by "far-left extremists, motivated by anarchist and revolutionary ideologies". AFP detective superintendent Anthony Hall warned that if convicted, those responsible could face life imprisonment.
Members of the group, seen wearing black hoodies, backpacks, and gloves, claimed responsibility for the attack in a video posted online. The video reportedly advises viewers on how to create an incendiary device, similar to one suspected of causing a fire that damaged three vehicles at Lovitt Technologies, and expresses opposition to the government.
A person claiming to represent an "anonymous cell" stated in a video that Lovitt Technologies was targeted due to its support for the global F-35 joint strike fighter program, whose jets are used by the Israeli military. Victoria police's Acting Superintendent Anthony Wheatfill stated that using "violent and dangerous methods to express a political or social viewpoint is unacceptable."