Man in Perth Charged with Terrorism After Bomb Thrown at Indigenous Rights Rally
A 31-year-old man faces terrorism and explosive charges over an improvised device thrown into a large Invasion Day protest crowd in Perth that failed to detonate.
A 31-year-old man has been formally charged with terrorism offences in Western Australia after allegedly throwing a homemade bomb into a crowd gathered for an Invasion Day protest in Perth’s central Forrest Place on January 26. More than 2,500 people, including many First Nations Australians and their supporters, were attending the peaceful demonstration when the improvised explosive device — packed with liquid, nails and ball bearings — was hurled toward the assembly from an elevated position.
The bomb did not detonate, and no injuries were reported, but police and counter-terrorism authorities described the action as having had the potential to cause mass casualties.
Law enforcement officials say CCTV footage shows the device landing among the crowd before specialist officers swiftly isolated the suspicious object and evacuated the area.
Western Australia’s Joint Counter Terrorism Team, comprising state police, the Australian Federal Police and the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation, has taken over the investigation, and authorities say there is no ongoing threat to public safety.
The accused, who was arrested at the scene, had previously been charged with unlawful conduct with intent to harm and making or possessing explosives under suspicious circumstances.
Prosecutors have now laid terrorism charges, alleging the act was ideologically motivated by hate and intended to intimidate or influence a section of the public.
Premier Roger Cook and senior police officials strongly condemned the attack, stressing the severe risks it posed to peaceful protesters and the broader community.
National leaders, including the Prime Minister, reiterated support for Indigenous Australians and denounced the alleged act of violence.
First Nations leaders and community representatives have said the attempted bombing caused deep distress, particularly given the historical and cultural significance of the Invasion Day rally, urging broad action to confront hate and protect the rights of people to gather safely.
The suspect is due to appear in court later this month to face the terrorism and related explosive charges.
The bomb did not detonate, and no injuries were reported, but police and counter-terrorism authorities described the action as having had the potential to cause mass casualties.
Law enforcement officials say CCTV footage shows the device landing among the crowd before specialist officers swiftly isolated the suspicious object and evacuated the area.
Western Australia’s Joint Counter Terrorism Team, comprising state police, the Australian Federal Police and the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation, has taken over the investigation, and authorities say there is no ongoing threat to public safety.
The accused, who was arrested at the scene, had previously been charged with unlawful conduct with intent to harm and making or possessing explosives under suspicious circumstances.
Prosecutors have now laid terrorism charges, alleging the act was ideologically motivated by hate and intended to intimidate or influence a section of the public.
Premier Roger Cook and senior police officials strongly condemned the attack, stressing the severe risks it posed to peaceful protesters and the broader community.
National leaders, including the Prime Minister, reiterated support for Indigenous Australians and denounced the alleged act of violence.
First Nations leaders and community representatives have said the attempted bombing caused deep distress, particularly given the historical and cultural significance of the Invasion Day rally, urging broad action to confront hate and protect the rights of people to gather safely.
The suspect is due to appear in court later this month to face the terrorism and related explosive charges.
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