Hyatt Hotel Canberra Security Scare Disrupts Defense Conference with Thrown Items and Suspicious Package

Over 500 defense leaders were affected by security alerts at the Hyatt Hotel, including evacuations and a bomb squad response.
By Newsroom | Crime, Canberra |

A major defense conference at the Hyatt Hotel in Canberra was disrupted by a series of security incidents on Wednesday, leading to evacuations and the deployment of a bomb response team. The events unfolded as attendees gathered for the annual ADM Congress, an event drawing over 500 senior-level participants from government and defense industries. Initial reports of items being thrown through windows gave way to concerns over unattended bags, causing significant alarm and prompting a police response.

Security Alerts Interrupt High-Profile Defense Gathering

The ADM Congress, held at the Hyatt Hotel Canberra, experienced a significant security alert on Wednesday morning. The disruption began around 8:55 AM when ACT Policing responded to reports of items being thrown through a hotel window. Witnesses described confusion, with some initially mistaking the sounds for a shooting. Police later indicated that rocks were believed to have been thrown at the building, causing minor damage.

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Later, around midday, police conducted a search of the hotel and discovered unattended backpacks in a conference room. This discovery prompted the involvement of a federal bomb response team. The presence of the bomb squad and the unfolding situation led to the evacuation of conference attendees. Defence Industry Minister Pat Conroy was reportedly addressing the congress at the time of the initial evacuation.

Conflicting Accounts and Actions Amidst Evacuations

Multiple sources indicate that the conference experienced at least one, and possibly two, evacuations. The security concern escalated from the initial reports of thrown items to the discovery of unattended bags, described as a "suspicious package."

Bomb squad rush to Hyatt Hotel Canberra after items hurled through windows - 1

  • Initial Incident: Reports suggest rocks were thrown through a window. Some attendees initially feared a shooting.

  • Second Alert: Unattended backpacks were found in a conference room, leading to the call for the bomb squad.

  • Evacuations: Attendees were evacuated from the conference room, with some reports suggesting this happened twice. Vice Admiral Hammond proceeded with his speech after calm was restored at one point.

  • Police Response: ACT Policing and the Australian Federal Police (AFP) bomb response team were on the scene. The bomb response team investigated the suspicious items.

Unattended Items and Potential Motivations

The discovery of unattended backpacks appears to be the primary catalyst for the bomb squad's involvement. Police are investigating the incident, with reports suggesting they believe two individuals were responsible for throwing rocks and a suspicious item at the building.

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  • Suspicious Items: The nature of the "suspicious item" thrown and the contents of the unattended backpacks remain under investigation.

  • Protest Element: One report from News.com.au suggests a connection to protest actions. A statement from an individual associated with a protest group is quoted, demanding sanctions against Israel and an end to collaborations with certain defense contractors, citing accusations of genocide. This indicates a potential motive beyond random vandalism.

Bomb Squad's Prolonged Presence and Wider Context

The AFP bomb response team was actively investigating the scene until after 2:00 PM, more than four hours after their initial arrival. The incident occurred against the backdrop of the ADM Congress, an event noted for its significant defense industry presence and government participation.

  • Duration of Investigation: The bomb squad's extended presence highlights the seriousness with which the unattended items were treated.

  • Event Significance: The ADM Congress is a key gathering for the defense sector, making disruptions particularly notable.

  • Broader Security Landscape: This incident at the Hyatt Hotel follows other recent calls for bomb response teams in Canberra, including an incident at the ACT Law Courts (January 31, 2025) due to a threat, and the discovery of a suspected explosive device at a building site in Evatt (February 12, 2025).

Expert Analysis and Official Statements

While specific expert analysis directly tied to this incident is not detailed in the provided reports, official statements offer insight. A spokesperson for Mr. Conroy commented on the events, stating that "people should avoid violent actions." The Prime Minister was reportedly asked about the event and called for "cool heads."

The situation underscores the complex security considerations surrounding high-profile defense and government events. The use of the term "suspicious package" by authorities indicates a potential threat assessment that warranted the deployment of specialized units.

Conclusion and Ongoing Investigation

The security alert at the Hyatt Hotel on Wednesday, centered around a major defense conference, involved multiple facets: property damage from thrown items and the discovery of unattended backpacks. These events led to evacuations and a significant police and bomb squad response. The investigation into the identities of those responsible and the precise nature of the threats is ongoing. The reported connection to a protest group introduces a layer of complexity, suggesting the incident may have been motivated by political or social grievances. The police are continuing to monitor the area.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What happened at the Hyatt Hotel in Canberra during the defense conference on Wednesday?
Security incidents, including items thrown through a window and unattended backpacks found, disrupted the ADM Congress. This led to police involvement and evacuations of attendees.
Q: Why was a bomb response team called to the Hyatt Hotel in Canberra?
A bomb response team was called because unattended backpacks were found in a conference room. Police treated these items as a suspicious package, prompting the specialized unit's investigation.
Q: Who was affected by the security incidents at the Hyatt Hotel defense conference?
Over 500 senior participants from government and defense industries attending the ADM Congress were affected. Defence Industry Minister Pat Conroy was present during the evacuations.
Q: What was the cause of the disruption at the Hyatt Hotel defense conference?
The disruption started with reports of rocks thrown through a window and later escalated with the discovery of unattended backpacks. Some reports suggest a protest group may be linked to the incident, demanding sanctions against Israel.
Q: What was the result of the bomb squad's investigation at the Hyatt Hotel in Canberra?
The bomb squad investigated the suspicious items for several hours. While the exact nature of the items was not fully detailed, the prolonged presence indicated a serious security concern for the event.