Perth’s city center, specifically Forrest Place, saw a mass evacuation after police discovered a suspicious object loaded with volatile chemicals, nails, and metal ball bearings.
Authorities have accused Hall of launching this explosive device from an elevated walkway into a gathering of Indigenous people, their families, and supporters below.
Fortunately, the device did not explode, although it is alleged that Hall had ignited a fuse.
This incident has been classified as an act of terrorism, marking a historic first for Western Australia. The case is scheduled to return to court today.
Hall was absent from the proceedings, and the hearing was postponed to March 31, following the addition of a Commonwealth charge of engaging in a terrorist act to the two existing state charges.
Magistrate Lynette Dias removed a suppression order on revealing Hall’s identity after considering arguments from a Commonwealth prosecutor and representatives from various media outlets.
If Hall is found guilty of the terrorism offence, he faces life behind bars.
He is yet to enter pleas to any of the charges, which also include an unlawful act or omission with intent to harm and making or possessing explosives under suspicious circumstances.
Police will allege the incident was a nationalist and racially motivated attack targeting First Nations people at the protest.
The man was self-radicalised and acted alone, police previously said.
He had allegedly accessed “bomb making instructions” and “pro-white male” material online, and was “accessing and participating in the ideology”.
The incident has left First Nations Australians fearful and angry, as they come to terms with the allegedly targeted attack.
Indigenous groups have criticised authorities for not immediately declaring it a terrorist act amid cries of double standards and racism.
Police defended the nine-day delay, saying investigators needed to gather evidence on the alleged bomber’s motivation and ideology so it could be legally proved in court.
For 24/7 crisis support run by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, contact 13YARN (13 92 76).
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