A hospitality manager, Jacopo Mastrocinquel, 35, was arrested and charged after allegedly sparking mass panic at Sydney's Entertainment Quarter while attending a costume party on Monday afternoon. Mastrocinquel was reportedly wearing a military costume, including a ballistic vest with an American flag and a fake gun taped to his chest, when he went outside for a cigarette.
Onlookers, alarmed by his appearance, called emergency services. Tactical police responded and detained Mastrocinquel and a 39-year-old friend. Police allegedly found a fake police badge and plastic handcuffs in Mastrocinquel's possession. He faces charges of possessing an unregistered and unauthorised pistol in a public place and offensive behaviour in a public place.
Mastrocinquel's barrister, Wali Shukoor, described his client's actions as "foolish" but stated there was no intent to cause harm or malice. Evidence presented in court, including CCTV footage from the bowling venue where the party was held, confirmed the existence of a costume party, with other attendees reportedly dressed as characters like Pikachu and characters from "Scream."
The court heard that Mastrocinquel has no prior criminal record, has resided in Australia since 2014, and is in a long-term relationship. He manages a restaurant and owns a pizza catering company.
Despite the defence's arguments, the prosecution opposed bail, citing the realistic appearance of the fake firearm. However, Mastrocinquel was granted bail by Local Court Judge Daniel Covington under several conditions, including residing at his partner's address, surrendering his passports, and being banned from entering Moore Park. The judge noted that Mastrocinquel's actions were particularly concerning given recent public fears following the Bondi Beach terrorist attack.
Detective Superintendent Peter Glynn urged the public to be mindful of their attire and behaviour in public spaces, especially when carrying imitation firearms that could be mistaken for real ones. Mastrocinquel is scheduled to reappear in court on August 18. His friend was charged with prohibited drug possession and is due to appear in court on August 20.