Security was stationed at The Press office after a man was able to enter the Christchurch newsroom unauthorised and make a verbal threat, with one staffer claiming they heard him reference the Charlie Hebdo terror attack.
It was not until five days after the incident that police were notified. They then identified the man and spoke with him.
In response to questions from RNZ about the incident, a Stuff spokesperson said no direct threat was made to staff at The Press regarding the Charlie Hebdo attack.
"Instead, a person delivering a letter to the Editor was able to access the newsroom without authorisation due to building work taking place. One staff member said he overhead a reference to Charlie Hebdo; however, other staff closer to the letter deliverer did not hear this reference.
"A security guard was put on the ground floor of the building due to the unauthorised access and staff and contractors were told to watch for tailgating. When CCTV footage of the unauthorised access was available, this was provided to the police who identified the person delivering the letter and advised they considered him to be low risk."
The spokesperson said staff were told that there had been unauthorised access to the building during site works and that additional security had therefore been put in place.
The incident took place on May 13. A day after the threat, an email was sent to staff telling them that a security guard had been posted in the lobby "checking which floor people are heading to".
"Please don't be offended if he approaches you."
Acting Canterbury District Commander Acting Superintendent Greg Murton said in a statement that police were notified on May 18 that an "unknown person" had entered the building and a made a "verbal threat".
"Police identified, and spoke to the individual, who was provided with advice about their behaviour. This was communicated to the person who made the report.
"Police take threats like this seriously, and would like to reassure people that anything of this nature will be assessed and investigated."
This story was first published on rnz.co.nz |  |
