Man Charged with Terrorism After Perth Rally Incident

Police have charged a man with terrorism after a homemade explosive was thrown at an Invasion Day rally in Perth. The device did not explode and no one was hurt. Officials say the act was motivated by hate.
By Newsroom | Australia, Perth |

A man has been identified and charged with terrorism following an incident at an Invasion Day rally in Perth on January 26. The suspect is accused of throwing a homemade explosive device into a crowd. Authorities have officially declared the event a terrorist act, citing evidence of a racially motivated ideology. The situation underscores ongoing concerns about extremist ideologies and their potential to incite violence.

Background of the Incident

On January 26, a crowd of approximately 2,500 people, including Indigenous Australians, families, and supporters, gathered in Perth for an Invasion Day rally. During this event, an explosive device was allegedly thrown from a walkway above the gathering. Fortunately, the device did not detonate, and no injuries were reported.

  • Date of Incident: January 26

  • Location: Perth, Western Australia

  • Event: Invasion Day rally

  • Alleged Action: Throwing a homemade explosive device into a crowd.

  • Outcome: Device did not detonate; no injuries reported.

Following the incident, authorities launched an investigation. The suspect, identified as Liam Alexander Hall, 31, was detained. On February 5, 2026, a suppression order on his identity was lifted by Magistrate Lynette Dias, allowing for public disclosure. Hall has been formally charged with engaging in a terrorist act.

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  • Suspect Identified: Liam Alexander Hall, 31 years old.

  • Charges: Engaging in a terrorist act.

  • Court Appearance: Next scheduled for February 17, 2026, at Perth Magistrates Court.

  • Suppression Order Lifted: February 5, 2026, by Magistrate Lynette Dias.

Official Declarations and Motivations

The incident has been officially classified as a terrorist act by law enforcement agencies, including the Australian Federal Police (AFP) and ASIO. Investigators presented evidence suggesting the attack was motivated by nationalist and racial ideologies.

"It was a hate act. We’re not going to wait." – Statement regarding the declaration of the act as terrorism.

AFP Commissioner Krissy Barrett stated that the investigation commenced 36 minutes after the device was thrown, with a focus on establishing any ongoing threats. Evidence uncovered during the investigation reportedly includes the suspect's access to "pro-white male, pro-white material online."

  • Terrorist Act Classification: Confirmed by AFP, WA Police, and ASIO.

  • Alleged Motivation: Nationalist and racially motivated attack, targeting First Nations people.

  • Evidence Cited: Access to "pro-white male, pro-white material online."

Political and Community Response

The incident and its declaration as a terrorist act have drawn responses from political leaders and community representatives. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese stated that Australia stands with First Nations people. Rally organizers expressed disappointment at the time taken to classify the event as a terrorist act.

  • Prime Minister's Statement: "Any attack on our First Nations people is an attack on all of us."

  • Rally Organizer's Sentiment: Disappointment over the timeline for the terrorist act declaration.

  • Law Enforcement Collaboration: WA Police Commissioner Col Blanch noted it was fortunate the device did not detonate.

The charge of engaging in a terrorist act carries a maximum penalty of life imprisonment, and this marks the first instance of such charges being laid in Western Australia.

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Sources

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What happened at the Perth rally?
A man threw a homemade explosive device at people at an Invasion Day rally. The device did not explode and no one was hurt.
Q: Who is the man?
His name is Liam Alexander Hall. He is 31 years old and has been charged with terrorism.
Q: Why did he do it?
Police believe he was motivated by hate and racial ideas, finding "pro-white" material.
Q: Is this the first time in Western Australia?
Yes, this is the first time someone has been charged with a terrorist act in Western Australia.