Authorities suspect that a man had plans to launch attacks on Parliament House, police headquarters, and Muslim places of worship.
WA Police Commissioner Col Blanch revealed that messages exchanged within an encrypted chat group, along with a manifesto, raised significant alarm due to their content.
“The communications included white supremacy views, anti-Muslim rhetoric, antisemitism, and, frankly, appalling discussions about minorities and other races within our community,” Blanch stated during a press conference in Perth earlier today.
He added, “The most alarming part was a notebook detailing plans for a terrorist attack at major sites.”
The counter-terrorism unit and the Australian Federal Police were alerted to the chat group’s communications, prompting an investigation that began in January and resulted in a search of a residence in Bindoon, located in the Wheatbelt region, just yesterday.
During the search, police reported discovering seven firearms, imitation weapons, a ballistic vest, gas masks, and lock-picking tools at the home, which the man reportedly shared with his parents.
They also seized several electronic devices, which are still being investigated.
Police said they believe the man was acting alone and that there is no current threat to the community.
Blanch said the man was not known to authorities before his arrest, and that the firearms were owned legally.
Premier Roger Cook said the man’s alleged intentions were “deeply concerning”. He praised the work of police to act quickly and “prevent an alleged act of terror in our city”.
“To attack the heart of our democracy, to attack our freedom of religion, to attack those who keep us safe,” he said of the man’s alleged plans.
“The threats are real in our community, we must not let hate and division win.”
He said Prime Minister Anthony Albanese had been briefed.
The 20-year-old man was charged with one count of act in preparation for a terrorist act, the first time the charge has been used in the state. He’s also charged with use of a carriage service to menace or harass, possess prohibited weapon, failed to store a firearm or related thing in compliant storage, and unlicensed ammunition.
The man appeared in Perth Magistrates Court this afternoon and was refused bail.
Blanch said he could be facing life imprisonment if found guilty of the charges.
Liam Alexander Hall, 31, allegedly threw a bomb containing volatile chemicals, nails and metal ball bearings into a crowd of people.
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