Police have formally declared the attempted bombing at an Invasion Day rally in Perth on January 26 an act of terrorism.
WA Premier Roger Cook confirmed the decision on Thursday following a joint investigation by WA Police, the Australian Federal Police and ASIO.
Authorities allege a 31-year-old man threw a homemade improvised explosive device into a crowd of about 2,500 peaceful protesters gathered at Forrest Place before fleeing the scene, triggering a major emergency response and a lockdown of Perth’s CBD.
The man has since been charged with engaging in a terrorist act — the first time such a charge has been laid in Western Australia. Police allege the attack was motivated by hateful, racist ideology and deliberately targeted Aboriginal people and their supporters attending the rally.
Investigators say the device contained volatile chemicals, nails and metal ball bearings. Further materials consistent with the manufacture of homemade explosives were allegedly found during a search of the accused’s home.
The offence carries a maximum penalty of life imprisonment. The accused remains in custody and is due to return to court on February 17.
Premier Cook urged calm and unity in the wake of the decision, saying: “Any attack on our First Nations people is an attack on all of us.”
