Man Charged After Alleged Attack at Perth Rally

A man has been charged with terrorism after an alleged incident at an Invasion Day rally in Perth. Police say the device did not explode and no one was hurt. The Prime Minister will speak about the event and new support for Indigenous people.
By Newsroom | Australia, Crime |

A recent alleged terror incident at an Invasion Day rally in Perth has sent ripples of shock and fear across Australia, prompting condemnation from political leaders and a renewed focus on Indigenous affairs and national security. The event, which occurred on Australia Day, saw a homemade explosive device allegedly hurled into a crowd of protesters.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is set to address the nation, acknowledging the "shock and fear" stemming from the alleged attack. His upcoming speech will be delivered during the annual Closing the Gap address, a significant platform for discussing Indigenous well-being and government initiatives. The Prime Minister has publicly stated that the individual accused should face the "full force of the law."

Timeline of Events and Official Responses

The alleged incident occurred on Australia Day, January 26, 2026, during an Invasion Day rally in Perth. A 31-year-old man, whose identity is currently withheld for legal reasons, was detained after allegedly throwing an item into a crowd of approximately 2,500 people. Police confirmed the item was a homemade improvised explosive device, containing volatile chemicals and shrapnel, but it did not detonate, and no injuries were reported.

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Albanese to address ‘shock and fear’ over alleged Invasion Day terror attack in annual Closing the Gap speech - 1

"We will allege it was a nationalist and racially motivated attack and we will allege he was targeting members of the Aboriginal community, First Nations people, in that protest." - AFP Commissioner Kristy Barrett

This event has been officially declared a terrorist act by Western Australia Police, with the alleged motivation described as nationalist and racially motivated, specifically targeting First Nations people. This marks the first time Western Australia has charged an individual with engaging in a terrorist act.

Political leaders, including Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Opposition Leader Sussan Ley, have jointly condemned the alleged attack. Following the police announcement of terrorism charges, there was bipartisan support in Federal Parliament for the severity of the charges.

"This was a terrorist attack on West Australians." - WA Police Commissioner Col Blanch

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The government's response has also included substantial funding announcements aimed at addressing Indigenous health, employment, and safety, as part of the broader "Closing the Gap" strategy.

Albanese to address ‘shock and fear’ over alleged Invasion Day terror attack in annual Closing the Gap speech - 2

Political and Community Reactions

The alleged attack has galvanized political discourse. Prime Minister Albanese's forthcoming speech aims to directly confront the emotions of shock and fear within the community. His government is also announcing significant funding increases for various Indigenous programs:

  • $299 million to double participation in remote jobs programs.

  • $218.3 million to support the national plan to end family, domestic, and sexual violence.

  • $44.4 million for culturally-safe maternal care through the Birthing on Country program.

  • $13.9 million to enhance the First Nations crisis hotline, 13Yarn.

Independent Senator Lidia Thorpe has been a vocal advocate, calling on the government to intensify its efforts to combat racism and hate crimes. She moved a motion in Parliament asserting the government's duty to protect all citizens equally from hate and violence.

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The Indigenous community in Perth has expressed deep-seated feelings of sadness, fear, and mistrust following the incident. The perceived slowness in authorities initially classifying the event as a potential terror act has also drawn criticism from some quarters within the community and political circles.

Albanese to address ‘shock and fear’ over alleged Invasion Day terror attack in annual Closing the Gap speech - 3

"It’s so distressing for some of our community." - [Unnamed Noongar traditional owner]

The suspect, a 31-year-old man, faces multiple charges:

  • One count of committing an unlawful act with intent to harm.

  • One count of making or possessing explosives under suspicious circumstances.

  • One count of engaging in a terrorist act.

Police Commissioner Col Blanch noted the fortunate absence of detonation and injuries, highlighting the danger posed by the homemade device, which included nails and metal ball bearings. The investigation is ongoing, with authorities committed to pursuing the case with the "full force of the law."

Analysis of Government Strategy and Community Concerns

The government's strategy appears to be a two-pronged approach: a firm stance on national security through prosecuting the alleged attacker under terrorism laws, and a concurrent push to address underlying issues affecting Indigenous Australians via increased funding and policy focus within the Closing the Gap framework.

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  • National Security and Justice: The decision to prosecute the incident as a terror act signals a strong message against politically motivated violence. The swiftness with which politicians moved to support these charges underscores the seriousness with which the event is being treated at the federal level.

  • Indigenous Affairs Investment: The substantial financial commitments signal an acknowledgement of the ongoing challenges faced by Indigenous communities. The emphasis on health, employment, and family violence aims to bolster existing programs and address critical needs.

  • Community Trust: The lingering mistrust noted within the Indigenous community suggests that beyond financial investment, a consistent and empathetic engagement is crucial. Senator Thorpe's calls for a stronger response to racism reflect a broader community sentiment that requires ongoing attention.

The Coalition of Peaks, a body representing First Nations organizations, has emphasized the necessity for Indigenous leadership in developing and implementing solutions to close the gap, stating, "First Nations people and organisations must be the ones to lead the solutions to closing the gap. We are determined to succeed." This sentiment underscores the importance of empowerment and self-determination in the effectiveness of government initiatives.

Conclusion and Future Implications

The alleged terrorist act at the Perth Invasion Day rally has underscored the complex intersection of national security concerns, racial motivation, and the ongoing pursuit of equity for Indigenous Australians. The government's planned response, combining stern legal action with increased investment in Indigenous programs, aims to address immediate fears and long-term systemic issues.

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Moving forward, the effectiveness of these initiatives will likely depend on sustained commitment, genuine partnership with Indigenous communities, and a continued focus on dismantling the roots of racism and discrimination. The legal process against the accused will serve as a significant benchmark in Australia's approach to domestic terrorism.

Sources:

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What happened at the rally in Perth?
Police say a man threw a homemade bomb at a protest. It did not explode, and no one was hurt.
Q: Is this being treated as a terror attack?
Yes, police have charged a man with terrorism because they believe it was a racially motivated attack.
Q: What is the government doing?
The Prime Minister will talk about the event and announce more money for programs that help Indigenous Australians.