Man Avoids Conviction for Mosque Threat with Community Service

A Brisbane man who threatened worshippers at a mosque by falsely claiming he was armed with an AK-47 has been sentenced to community service. Louis Rapisarda, 33, will complete 60 hours of community service after pleading guilty to disturbing the peace and creating a public nuisance.

The incident occurred on May 10 when Rapisarda drove past the Masjid Taqwah Mosque in Bald Hills and shouted "Allahu Akbar" at members inside. He then claimed to possess an AK-47, causing distress among the worshippers.

“

I'd like to thoroughly apologise to the Muslim community. I regret my actions.

Rapisarda's defense cited a bipolar diagnosis, stating he was unmedicated at the time, leading to manic episodes. His lawyer emphasized that the behavior was out of character and that he had no prior criminal history. The magistrate acknowledged these factors, opting not to impose a criminal conviction.

Speaking outside court, Rapisarda expressed deep remorse and apologized to the Muslim community for his actions. The mosque's chairman, Mohammed Akbery, stated that the community was left shaken and concerned for their safety, emphasizing that heated rhetoric has real consequences. Akbery also noted Rapisarda's personal challenges and expressed hope for his positive path forward, acknowledging that fear and misinformation affect individuals differently.

“

Heated rhetoric has real consequences for communities. Our members are ordinary Australians and should never feel unsafe at their place of worship.