An Indian family was recently subjected to a racist attack in an apartment complex in Brisbane, Australia. The racist attack occurred on Monday (October 19, 2026) around 12:30 am (local time) when a 19-year-old local named Harley Adams shouted racist slurs at the family and threatened to blow himself up along with their Morningside unit block. The racist attack prompted the family to consider leaving the country and returning to India.
Harley Adams was arrested by the police on Tuesday. He appeared through a video link before the Brisbane Magistrates Court the next day, on Wednesday. The attacker has been charged with three counts of making threats and an offence relating to serious vilification or hate crime by the Queensland Police. Police prosecutor Sergeant Matt Kahler described Adams’ behaviour as an “extraordinary racist outburst” in court. He added that Adams wrongly believed that the Indian family had lodged a police complaint against him, which led to his eviction.
The incident left the Indian family so terrified that they are considering breaking their lease and moving back to India. Other residents of the apartment complex are also scared for their safety. Queensland Police told the magistrate that other residents of the locality are also breaking their leases and moving out because of the incident.
Magistrate Peter Saggers said that the court treated the threats of violence given by Adams seriously. “When you say you’re going to do things, then the court will proceed on the basis of that’s what you mean,” the Magistrate said. “If you say you’re going to blow yourself up and blow everybody up with you, then there’s no point in shaking your head because that’s what I accept,” he added.
Adams was released by the court on conditional bail. He has been asked by the court to wear an electronic monitoring device. The court directed him to stay away from the Morningside apartment complex and its residents, and report to a police station three times a week. His case will be heard next on November 16, 2026.
Incidents of hate crimes targeting Indians are on the rise in several western countries, including Australia. Reports suggest that Indians living in Australia have reported experiencing racism and hostility online and offline. A 2026 human rights assessment in Australia reportedly highlighted growing anti-immigrant sentiment in the country, leading to migrants, including Indians, being targeted.
