Man arrested over alleged ‘mass casualty event’ terrorist plot
A 20-year-old man from WA has been arrested and charged after police uncovered alleged plans to carry out an “ideologically motivated violent extremist attack involving mass casualties”.
Western Australia’s Joint Counter Terrorism Team charged the man following an investigation into his online activities and execution of a search warrant at his home.
As well as the charge of preparing to commit an act of terrorism, the 20-year-old is also charged with a number of other offences, including using a transport service for the purpose of threatening or harassing.
The man was also alleged to be in possession of a prohibited weapon, failed to store the firearm or “anything related” in an appropriate storage facility and was in possession of unlicensed ammunition.
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 the man wrote a manifesto-style document outlining plans for an ideologically motivated attack on violent extremism that would involve mass casualties.
The 20-year-old defendant was refused bail in court this 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 arrest of the West Australian man over an alleged racially motivated terror plot 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.
Be the first to know when important news happens. Sign up for breaking news alerts in email.
Holly Thompson is a journalist at WAtoday specializing in education and the environment.Connect with: X or email.
