A 20-year-old man from WA has been arrested and charged after police uncovered his alleged plans to commit “an ideologically motivated attack of violent extremism involving mass casualties.”
The Western Australia Joint Counter Terrorism Team charged the man following an investigation into his online activities and the execution of a search warrant at his home.
Alongside the charge of preparing to commit a terrorist act, the 20-year-old has also been charged with a string of other offending including using a carriage service to menace or harass.
The man was also allegedly in possession of a prohibited weapon, failed to store a firearm or “related thing” in compliant storage and had unlicensed ammunition.
At a press conference on Friday afternoon, Premier Roger Cook provided further details of the alleged terrorist plot.
“Police allege the man was planning a mass casualty event on a range of public buildings across Perth, including the WA Police Headquarters, WA Parliament House and Muslim faith places of worship,” Cook said.
“It will be alleged this person was motivated by a white supremacist ideology.”
Cook said Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has been briefed by Australian Federal Police, while other political and religious leaders were also being made aware of the incident.
“I’ve been advised that there is no ongoing threat to the community,” the Premier said.
WA Police Commissioner Col Blanch said police received intelligence about communications on an encrypted communications platform in January and February that led to the arrest of the man.
Blanch alleged the communications contained white supremacy ideology, anti-Muslim ideology, antisemitism and conversations about minority groups he called “abhorrent”.
Australian Federal Police superintendent Peter Hatch alleged the man had written a manifesto-style document outlining plans for an ideologically motivated attack of violent extremism involving mass casualties.
The accused 20-year-old was refused bail in court this afternoon.
It is understood to be the first time an individual has been charged with this offence in WA.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese described the arrest of the WA man over an alleged racially-motivated terrorist plot as deeply shocking.
“I have been briefed on this case by AFP Commissioner Krissy Barrett. I thank the WA police for their swift action to keep the community safe,” he said.
“Allegations the man was planning to target the Muslim community through attacks on mosques – as well as attacks on the WA police and parliament – are particularly distressing. He should face the full force of the law.
“Australians, no matter who they are, have a right to safety. There is no place in our country for any kind of racially or religiously-motivated prejudice or hate.
“As I’ve said many times we need to take the temperature down. Political leaders have a particular responsibility not to fan the flames of bigotry.”
Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke said every Australian, no matter who they are, has a right to be safe and feel safe.
“For some time, our security, intelligence and law enforcement agencies have been warning that we are entering a new security environment,” he said.
“There are many different ideologies that can give rise to extremism. People can radicalise fast through a variety and sometimes through mixed ideologies.
“White supremacist ideologies cover a wide variety of bigotry, including antisemitism and Islamophobia.
“The Australian Muslim community has been experiencing increased levels of Islamophobia. Every Australian Muslim, just like every other Australian, has a right to be safe and feel safe.”
The charges handed down to the 20-year-old come just weeks after another man, accused of throwing a homemade bomb into a crowd of Invasion Day protesters, was charged with committing a terrorist act – the first in WA history.
Liam Alexander Hall, 32, is accused of making and throwing the device – which had allegedly been designed to detonate – from a terrace balcony into a crowd in Forrest Place as they marched to protest the date of Australia Day.
Had the bomb exploded, WA Police and the state government believe it could have caused a “mass casualty event”.
Hall’s identity was initially suppressed by the court due to concerns for his safety behind bars at Hakea Prison, and based on the fact he was experiencing mental health issues.
However, federal prosecutors and WA Police opposed the suppression order continuing, arguing Hall’s safety had been managed well behind bars.
Premier Roger Cook, Opposition Leader Basil Zempilas and Nationals leader Shane Love have also spoken on a motion put to parliament condemning the alleged attack.
“I’m so grateful for whatever it was that stopped that [alleged] bomb detonation, grateful that I can stand here with the immense privilege of reflection, rather than the devastation of mourning, despite the world around us,” Cook said.
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Holly Thompson is a journalist with WAtoday, specialising in education and the environment.Connect via X or email.
