Authorities formally declare terror attack in Perth: Alleged attempted Invasion Day rally bomber is charged with terrorism
- 31–year–old charged with terrorism
- He will appear in court later this month
- READ MORE: Man charged with HUNDREDS of child abuse related offences
Authorities have formally declared last Monday's Invasion Day rally bomb scare a terrorist attack.
A 31-year-old Perth man - who has not publicly been named - allegedly threw a homemade explosive device into a group of peaceful protesters in Perth's CBD on Australia Day.
The man was charged with engaging in a terrorist act, the first time such a charge has been laid in WA, late on Wednesday.
Premier Roger Cook announced the development, describing the alleged incident as unprecedented.
The bomb scare unfolded on January 26 at Forrest Place, where around 2,500 people were marching.
Police say the device, described as a 'fragment bomb', was hurled from a first–floor balcony towards the crowd.
The object struck a woman's leg and released a puff of smoke, but failed to detonate, averting what police say could have been a 'mass–casualty event'.
WA Police Commissioner Col Blanch said the emotional toll of the alleged near-miss on the force, and the community, was profound.
'This was a terrorist attack on Western Australians,' he said.
'As Police Commissioner, that saddens me, no doubt it saddens the rest of our country that a fellow citizen would seek to cause harm to others in our community.'
A 31–year–old man was charged over an attempted terror attack at a Perth Invasion Day rally
Commissioner Blanch confirmed that the nine‑day investigation involved bomb technicians, counter‑terror officers, forensic teams, and intelligence analysts, all working to build a brief of evidence that supported the terrorism charge.
'It took nine days for the investigation to establish to a level of being able to charge this person with the necessary charges,' Blanch said.
Searches of the suspect's home allegedly uncovered chemicals and materials consistent with homemade explosives, along with electronic devices now undergoing forensic analysis.
Police say the accused acted alone.
AFP Commissioner Krissy Barrett confirmed that the 31–year–old accused has been charged under section 101.1 of the Commonwealth Criminal Code with engaging in a terrorist act, an offence that carries a maximum penalty of life imprisonment.
He remains in custody and is due to appear in Perth Magistrates Court on 17 February, where the Commonwealth terrorism charge will be heard alongside existing state charges.
She also revealed the operation, formally designated Operation Dumfries, was launched the day after the incident.
Barrett responded to criticism from Indigenous leaders that they took too long to call the incident a terror attack.
Premier Roger Cook (pictured) revealed it was the first time a terror charge was laid in WA
She explained that authorities needed time in order to lay charges, and issued a message to Indigenous communities.
'You have the right to peacefully protest in this country without facing threats of violence. This is a key principle of democracy in Australia.'
She pledged the full force of national policing capabilities.
'The Australian Federal Police, our security and law‑enforcement partners will use all our powers, capabilities and resources to ensure hate and violence are not used as weapons to silence communities.'
