Two Charged in Separate Western Australia Terror Cases

Authorities in Western Australia have charged two individuals with terrorism-related offenses in separate incidents in early 2025. One case involves an alleged attempted bombing at an Invasion Day rally in Perth; the other involves an alleged plot to attack government buildings and places of worship.

Incident at Perth Invasion Day Rally

Event Overview

On January 26, approximately 2,500 people gathered at Forrest Place in Perth's central business district for an Invasion Day rally. The demonstration focused on calls regarding homelessness, youth detention, and housing and health outcomes.

Alleged Attack

At approximately 12:18 pm, a device was allegedly thrown from a shopping center balcony into the crowd. Police described the device as a homemade "fragment bomb" containing ball bearings, screws, and an explosive liquid in a glass container, concealed inside a child's sock.

The device was reportedly designed to detonate on impact, and authorities stated its fuse had been lit—but it did not explode.

A rally attendee reported the device landed near her, struck another person's leg, and produced a small white cloud of smoke. The device was subsequently collected and handed to police officers. Police evacuated the area approximately 30 minutes after the device was thrown.

Charges Filed

State and Commonwealth Charges

A 31-year-old man, later identified as Liam Alexander Hall (age reported as 32 in some sources), was arrested at the scene. Hall faces charges including:

• Engaging in a terrorist act (first such charge laid in Western Australia)
• Intent to do harm in a way that endangers life, health, or safety
• Making or possessing explosives under suspicious circumstances

The terrorism charge carries a maximum sentence of life in prison.

Investigation Timeline

The Joint Counter Terrorism Team—comprising WA Police, the Australian Federal Police (AFP), and ASIO—investigated the incident. The incident was investigated as a "potential terrorist act" from two days after the event and was officially declared a terrorist act nine days after the incident. Authorities stated this timeframe was necessary to establish evidence for ideological motivation.

Alleged Motivation

Police allege the attack was "motivated by hateful, racist ideology" and targeted Aboriginal people and other peaceful protesters. Authorities stated Hall allegedly accessed "pro-white material" online and was "self-radicalized." Police reported Hall acted alone and there was no ongoing threat to the community.

Court Proceedings

Hall's identity was initially suppressed by the court due to concerns raised by his defense lawyer regarding his mental health and safety in custody. Magistrate Lynette Dias subsequently lifted the suppression order, citing the principles of open justice. Hall's defense lawyer stated Hall was mentally unwell. Hall has been remanded in custody and is scheduled to appear in court again on March 31.

Second Case: Alleged Terror Plot

A 20-year-old man from Bindoon, Western Australia, allegedly planned attacks on Parliament House, police headquarters, and Muslim places of worship.

Arrest and Charges

Jayson Joseph Michaels, age reported as 20, of Bindoon, Western Australia, was charged with terrorism-related offenses in a separate incident. Michaels faces charges including:

• Doing an act in preparation for a terrorist act
• Possession of child abuse material
• Possession of bulletproof clothing
• Possession of violent extremist material (two counts)
• Attempting to seek objectionable material (two counts)
• Use of a carriage service to menace, harass, or cause offense
• Possession of a prohibited weapon
• Failure to store a firearm in compliance with regulations
• Possession of ammunition without authorization

Alleged Plans

Police allege Michaels planned attacks on Western Australia's Parliament House, WA Police headquarters, and unspecified Muslim places of worship in the Perth metropolitan area. Authorities reported seizing seven firearms, imitation firearms, a ballistic vest, face shields, lock-picking equipment, and a collection of knives from his family home.

Court Details

In a bail hearing, the court heard Michaels allegedly wanted his planned attack to be more severe than the Bondi attack and had planned to manufacture a firearm using a 3D printer and acquire fertilizer. Prosecutor Kirsten Nelson stated Michaels was allegedly motivated by right-wing ideology.

Magistrate Belinda Coleman denied bail, describing the case as not "inherently weak." Defense lawyer Christian Porter characterized the case as "weak" and suggested an assessment for autism spectrum disorder may be required.

Magistrate Janet Whitbread ordered the prosecution to disclose supporting materials to Michaels's legal representatives by June 10.

Political and Community Responses

Government Reactions

Western Australia Premier Roger Cook described the alleged attack at the rally as a potential terrorist act and stated the perpetrator was motivated by "hateful, racist ideology." Prime Minister Anthony Albanese called the incident "quite shocking" and stated the alleged offender should face the full force of the law. Minister for Indigenous Australians Malarndirri McCarthy described the incident as "sickening and abhorrent" and characterized it as an "attack on all Australians."

Federal Inquiry

A federal joint standing committee launched an inquiry into the nature, prevalence, and impact of racism, hate, and violence directed at First Nations people. The inquiry's terms of reference include:

• Exploring the role of social media in facilitating hate
• Examining the threat of ideologically motivated extremism
• Evaluating the role of intelligence and law enforcement agencies in community protection

Public submissions are open until May 1.

Community Impact

Noongar Elders and community leaders held meetings with WA Police Commissioner Col Blanch and Premier Roger Cook. Elders presented proposals including establishing healing centers, increasing Aboriginal police liaison officers, and creating an independent Aboriginal-led truth-telling process in Western Australia. Premier Cook confirmed the state "will undertake a truth-telling process."

First Nations community members expressed concerns regarding the initial response from authorities, media coverage, and the timeline for the terrorism classification.

Some community leaders called for the expansion of a national Royal Commission on Antisemitism and Social Cohesion to include all forms of racism and far-right extremism.

Parliamentary Condemnation

The Australian federal parliament passed a motion condemning the attempted bomb attack at the Invasion Day rally. Independent Senator Lidia Thorpe introduced the motion, which called for equal protection for all people from racism, discrimination, hate speech, and violence. The Liberal and National Parties opposed specific wording in the motion, including references to Australia Day as a day of mourning.

Other Political Commentary

Federal deputy Liberal leader Ted O'Brien stated he would await police findings and expressed concern about Australia's social cohesion. Opposition leader Basil Zempilas made his first public comment on the incident in a weekly newspaper column four days after the event.

Ongoing Legal Processes

Both cases continue through the legal system. Further details regarding the alleged attacks and the accused individuals' backgrounds and motivations are expected to emerge as the matters proceed.