Man Pleads Guilty to Disturbing Peace at Church and Mosque
Brisbane Magistrates Court – Louis Rapisarda has pleaded guilty to disturbing the peace at a place of worship and creating a public nuisance, stemming from a series of incidents on May 10.
“I deeply regret my actions and apologize to the Muslim community.”
The court heard that while driving past Mitchelton Presbyterian Church, Rapisarda yelled “Allahu Akbar” to a group of people outside. He then drove to the Masjid Taqwah Mosque in Bald Hills, shouted the phrase again, and told members he had an AK-47.
A lawyer for Rapisarda stated that his client had a bipolar diagnosis but was unmedicated at the time, resulting in manic episodes. The incident was described as out of character, with no relevant criminal history.
Magistrate’s Order: Rapisarda was ordered to complete 60 hours of community service without recording convictions.
Outside court, Rapisarda expressed remorse and apologized directly to the Muslim community.
Mohammed Akbery, Chairman of the mosque, said the community was left shaken and concerned for their safety. However, he noted that Rapisarda was facing his own challenges and hoped the experience would “lead to reflection and understanding.”