On January 26, an alleged attempted bombing at an Invasion Day rally in Perth's central business district led to the arrest and subsequent charging of a 31-year-old man with engaging in a terrorist act. The incident, which involved a homemade device allegedly thrown into a crowd of approximately 2,500 people, was investigated by the Joint Counter Terrorism Team. It was officially classified as an act of terrorism nine days after the event. Authorities allege the attack was motivated by a hateful, racist ideology, marking the first time such charges have been laid in Western Australia.
Authorities allege the attack was motivated by a hateful, racist ideology, marking the first time such charges have been laid in Western Australia.
Incident Details
The incident occurred at Forrest Place in Perth's CBD on January 26, during an Invasion Day rally attended by an estimated 2,500 people. The demonstration focused on advocating for an end to homelessness and youth detention, alongside improved housing and health outcomes for elders. At approximately 12:40 pm, a homemade device was allegedly thrown into the crowd.
Police described the device as a "fragment bomb" containing screws, ball bearings, and an explosive liquid, encased in glass and allegedly disguised in a child's sock. It was reportedly designed to detonate on impact, and police allege the man attempted to ignite a fuse. However, the device failed to detonate.
Crucially, the device landed in an area designated for vulnerable attendees, including women, children, people in wheelchairs, and those with prams. Authorities characterized the potential impact of the incident as a "mass casualty event," with the capacity to cause fatalities or serious injuries.
Following the incident, rally attendee Luisa Mitchell reported that a small device landed in front of her, striking another person's leg and producing a small white cloud of smoke. A colleague reportedly collected the device and handed it to a police officer. Uniformed officers then approached the stage, and Noongar Elder Herbert Bropho urged the crowd to evacuate. Police defended their assertive evacuation strategy, stating that limited information was provided initially to prioritize public safety and avoid panic. Rally organizers were commended by police for their assistance in calming the crowd.
Investigation and Terrorism Charges
A 31-year-old man from Warwick was arrested shortly after the incident and taken into custody. His identity has been suppressed by a court order due to concerns for his safety. He was initially charged with intent to do harm in a way that endangers life, health, or safety, and making or possessing explosives under suspicious circumstances.
The Western Australia Police, Australian Federal Police (AFP), and the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO) formed a Joint Counter Terror Team (JCTT) that began investigating the incident as a "potential terrorist act." This classification required establishing a political, religious, or ideological motivation, which investigators pursued. The JCTT endorsed an operation, known as Operation Dumfries, the day after the incident.
Nine days following the event, police officially designated the alleged attempted bombing as an act of terrorism. The man was subsequently charged with engaging in a terrorist act, a charge that carries a maximum sentence of life in prison. This marks the first instance of such charges being laid in Western Australia.
Authorities allege that the man's actions constituted an "attack on Aboriginal people and other peaceful protesters" and were "motivated by hateful, racist ideology." Evidence suggests the man accessed "pro-white male, pro-white material online." Police allege he was self-radicalized and acting alone, engaged with this ideology on social media platforms, but without evidence of discussions regarding the specific attack plan. Investigators accessed his electronic devices and concluded there was no residual risk to the community related to the alleged attack.
The Australian Criminal Code defines terrorism by violence and conduct aimed at advancing a "political, religious or ideological cause" with the intention of coercing a government or intimidating a public section. Authorities noted the extensive investigation required to meet these evidentiary thresholds.
Community and Political Reactions
The incident prompted significant concern within First Nations communities across Australia, with some individuals expressing a perceived lack of prominence and depth in mainstream media coverage compared to other incidents. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice Commissioner Katie Kiss stated that the initial response "sends a message that Aboriginal and Torres Islander people do not matter," calling for stronger language and swifter action from the federal government and for the implementation of the Australian Human Right Commission's National Anti-Racism Framework (2024).
Independent Senator Lidia Thorpe noted the escalation of the investigation was timely, having previously expressed that the Prime Minister's initial response did not provide reassurance to First Nations communities. She requested an investigation into potential intelligence and security failures and introduced a motion in the Senate, which passed in both houses of parliament, officially condemning the attempted bomb attack and calling for equal protection for all people from racism, discrimination, hate speech, and violence.
Numerous political leaders condemned the incident:
- Prime Minister Anthony Albanese described the alleged attack as "shocking" and stated he looked forward to the alleged offender being prosecuted.
- Minister for Indigenous Australians Malarndirri McCarthy characterized the targeting of a peaceful rally as "unacceptable," "sickening," and an "attack on all Australians."
- WA Premier Roger Cook initially stated that the incident "appeared to be a terrorist act" and emphasized the importance of all political leaders condemning such violent acts.
- Minister for Multicultural Affairs Anne Aly expressed relief that no one was hurt but concern that such an incident could occur in Australia, noting that determining if it was a terrorist incident was the responsibility of security agencies.
- Federal Deputy Liberal Leader Ted O'Brien awaited the police investigation's findings, emphasizing "there is no excuse for violence" and expressing concern about "strain" on Australia's social compact.
- Opposition Leader Basil Zempilas commented on the incident in his weekly newspaper column days after it occurred, condemning the actions that "struck fear into the hearts of protesters."
Organizers called for a thorough investigation, stating that if the incident was found to be an act of terrorism and hate crime, it should be charged accordingly. Concerns were raised about perceived community mistrust of police contributing to a slow evacuation from Forrest Place.
Ongoing Legal Process
The man's next court appearance is scheduled for February 17. Further details regarding the alleged attack and the perpetrator's beliefs are expected to emerge as the matter proceeds through the courts. Authorities have stated there is no ongoing threat to public safety.