Man arrested over alleged ‘white supremacist ideology’ terrorist plot
Updated ,first published
A man allegedly motivated by racist ideology was planning a “mass-casualty” terrorist attack targeting public buildings and Muslim houses of worship, authorities said.
Jayson Joseph Michaels, from the town of Bindoon in Perth’s north, appeared in the Perth Magistrates’ Court on Friday and faced five charges, including preparation for a terrorist act.
Western Australia’s Joint Counter Terrorism Team charged Michaels following an investigation into his online activities and the execution of a search warrant at his home.
At a press conference on Friday afternoon, Prime Minister Roger Cook provided further details about the alleged terror plot.
“Police allege the man planned a mass shooting at various public buildings in Perth, including WA Police Headquarters, WA Parliament House and Muslim faith places of worship,” Cook said.
“It will be alleged that this individual was motivated by a white supremacist ideology.”
Cook said Prime Minister Anthony Albanese was informed by the Australian Federal Police and other political and religious leaders were also informed of the incident.
“I have been informed that there is no ongoing threat to the community,” the Prime Minister said.
WA Police Commissioner Col Blanch said police received intelligence about communications on the encrypted communications platform in January and February, which led to the man’s arrest.
Blanch claimed the communications included white supremacist ideology, anti-Muslim ideology, anti-Semitism and conversations about minority groups, which he described as “disgusting.”
Australian Federal Police chief Peter Hatch claimed Michaels wrote a manifesto-style document outlining plans for a violent extremist ideologically motivated attack involving mass casualties.
The 20-year-old defendant was denied bail in court Friday afternoon.
It is understood to be the first time a person has been charged with this offense in WA.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese described the West Australian man’s arrest as extremely shocking.
“I was briefed on this case by AFP Commissioner Krissy Barrett. I thank WA police for their swift action to keep the community safe,” he said.
“Allegations that the man planned to target the Muslim community through attacks on mosques as well as attacks on the Western Australian police and parliament are particularly distressing. “The man must face the full force of the law.
“Australians, no matter who they are, have the right to security. There is no place in our country for any racially or religiously motivated prejudice or hatred.
“As I have said many times, we need to turn the temperature down. Political leaders have a special responsibility not to fuel the fires of bigotry.”
Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke said every Australian, no matter who they are, has the right to be safe and feel safe.
“For some time now, our security, intelligence and law enforcement have been warning that we are entering a new security environment,” he said.
“There are many different ideologies that can lead to extremism. People can become radicalized quickly through diversity, sometimes through mixed ideologies.
“White supremacist ideologies cover a wide range of bigotry, including antisemitism and Islamophobia.
“The Australian Muslim community is experiencing increasing levels of Islamophobia. Every Australian Muslim, like every other Australian, has the right to be safe and feel safe.”
The charges against the 20-year-old come just weeks after another man accused of throwing a homemade bomb into a crowd of Invasion Day protesters was charged with committing an act of terrorism, a first in Western Australian history.
Liam Alexander Hall(32) is accused of making a device allegedly designed to explode and throwing it from a terrace balcony at a crowd in Forrest Place marching to protest Australia Day.
If the bomb had gone off, WA Police and the state government believed it could have led to a “mass casualty incident”.
Hall’s identity was initially withheld by the court due to concerns for his safety behind bars at Hakea Prison and the fact that he was suffering from mental health problems.
But federal prosecutors and WA Police opposed the continuation of the crackdown order, arguing Hall’s security was well managed behind bars.
Prime Minister Roger Cook, Opposition Leader Basil Zempilas and National Party leader Shane Love also spoke about the motion put to parliament condemning the alleged attack.
“I’m so grateful for whatever stopped this [alleged] “I am grateful to be able to stand here with the tremendous privilege of reflection after the bomb exploded, instead of the devastation of grief despite the world around us,” Cook said.
Jayson Joseph Michaels is also charged with using a carriage service to threaten or harass, possession of a prohibited weapon and two firearms offences.
He was arrested to appear in the same court again on March 23.
from AAP
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Holly Thompson is a journalist at WAtoday specializing in education and the environment.Connect with: X or email.
