A 20-year-old man from Bindoon, north of Perth, has been arrested over an alleged plot to carry out “mass casualty” terror attacks targeting mosques and key political institutions in Western Australia.
The suspect, identified as Jayson Joseph Michaels, was taken into custody by Western Australia’s Joint Counter Terrorism Team following an investigation into his online activities. Authorities allege the probe uncovered disturbing material, including handwritten notes outlining potential targets such as WA Police headquarters, Parliament House and places of Muslim worship.
Western Australia Police Commissioner Col Blanch said investigators discovered what appeared to be preparations for a terrorist act, describing the alleged plans as deeply concerning.
WA Premier Roger Cook told reporters the accused had allegedly been influenced by extremist content online and was motivated by white supremacist ideology.
Police executed a search warrant at the family home where the suspect lived with his parents, about an hour north of Perth. During the operation, officers allegedly seized firearms, imitation firearms, ballistic vests, gas masks and lock-picking equipment.
Commissioner Blanch stated the man had been “radicalised online.” He has been charged with acting in preparation for a terrorist act, using a carriage service to menace or harass, possessing a prohibited weapon and multiple firearms offences.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese described the allegations as deeply disturbing, particularly claims that the Muslim community was among the intended targets.
“There is no place in our country for any kind of racially or religiously motivated prejudice or hate,” he said, urging political leaders to avoid inflaming divisions.
Australian Federal Police Superintendent Peter Hatch told ABC News the case marks the first time someone has been charged with planning a terrorist attack in Western Australia. He said officers allegedly uncovered a manifesto-style document detailing plans for an ideologically motivated violent extremist attack involving mass casualties.
Investigations remain ongoing as authorities continue examining the seized materials and assessing the full scope of the alleged plot.