‘White supremacist’ accused of mass terror attack plot
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.
WA Premier Roger Cook said the 20-year-old was allegedly planning to attack public buildings, including WA parliament and mosques.
“Police allege the man planned a mass killing at various public buildings in Perth, including WA police headquarters, WA Parliament House and places of worship of the Muslim faith,” he told reporters.
“It will be alleged that this individual was motivated by a white supremacist ideology.”
A joint counterterrorism team began investigating Michaels in January after receiving intelligence about encrypted communications related to white supremacist ideology, anti-Muslim ideology and anti-Semitism.
WA Police Commissioner Col Blanch said investigators also found “disgusting” talk about minorities and other races in the messages.
Officers raided Michael’s home on Thursday after identifying him as the alleged source.
“We observed and have now seized firearms, imitation firearms, ballistic vests, gas masks and unlocking equipment,” Mr Blanch said.
“Most worrying was the discovery of a notebook outlining preparations for terrorist attacks in key locations.”
It will be alleged that Michaels acted alone and wrote an “alarmingly detailed” manifesto outlining plans for an ideologically motivated “extremely serious terrorist attack” involving firearms and explosives.
Officers seized seven rifles from Michael’s property, and police had no information about him before the investigation began.
“The fact that someone can go online and become radicalized so easily and have no record of their past… that’s what concerns us,” Mr. Blanch said.
Authorities continued to investigate the encrypted communications platform, which contained conversations with people outside Australia who shared white supremacist ideology.
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.
