The Jalal brothers, known for their “prank” videos in which they dress up as Islamic terrorists and throw backpacks resembling bombs at strangers, have been arrested following upset over one of their videos.
9NEWS reports that the three brothers, Max, Rebeen, and Arman Jalal, were arrested after police searched their home in South Morang, Victoria.
The video that spawned the investigation features the brothers dressed in Middle Eastern garb as they point a toy AK-47 at random strangers in order to simulate a drive-by shooting.
One of the targets of the “prank” happens to be a small child:
In an interview with 9NEWS, the brothers apologized for the video, saying it “went stupid.”
Despite the apology, Victoria police have arrested the brothers.
Ross Geunther, assistant commission of counter-terrorism command, said, “They were contacted by family and surrendered themselves into custody.”
He said the videos “caused some significant alarm and some anxiety in the community at a time when we already have a heightened security environment.”
Victoria Police Commissioner Graham Ashton allegedly told 3AW, "My view on that is we will charge them on whatever they can be charged with.”
ABC reports the brothers were charged with “public nuisance, possessing a prohibited weapon and behaving in an offensive manner in a public place.”
Shortly after the arrest, 9NEWS reports Max mocked the police on his Facebook page.
He allegedly wrote, “Victoria Police logic: There's rapist, pedophiles, drug dealers, the list goes on. But they’re sooooo proud they arrested us lmao. Go get some real criminals[.]”
Other videos by the “Jalas” include bomb scare “pranks.” In the “bomb scare prank” videos, the brothers wear Middle Eastern attire and throw backpacks at strangers:
The Jalal brothers have 1.9 million Facebook followers. It has been alleged the “pranksters” earned $4,500 for the drive-by shooting YouTube video.