Western Australian authorities are conducting a major investigation into an alleged explosive device that was thrown into a crowd during an Invasion Day rally in Perth, with police treating the incident as a potential act of terrorism. The Australian Federal Police and the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation have joined WA Police in the ongoing probe, issuing a joint statement confirming that further charges remain possible as their inquiries continue.
Mass Evacuation in Perth CBD
More than 2,500 people were urgently evacuated from Forrest Place in Perth's central business district early on Monday afternoon after what police described as an improvised explosive device containing volatile chemicals was allegedly tossed from a first-floor walkway toward a stage. The device reportedly contained nails and metal ball bearings alongside potentially explosive compounds, creating what authorities feared could become a mass casualty event.
Device Analysis and Potential Impact
WA Police Commissioner Col Blanch revealed on Tuesday that forensic analysis had identified three specific compounds within the liquid contained in a glass vessel, confirming the object's classification as an explosive device. "We understand that those three compounds would constitute it being an explosive device — you can call that a bomb," Commissioner Blanch stated during a media briefing.
Authorities expressed relief that the device failed to detonate, with Commissioner Blanch noting the potentially catastrophic consequences. "I think at the very least, it would have seriously injured people if not killed them," he said, adding that detailed chemical analysis and reconstruction would determine the exact blast radius and destructive potential.
Arrest and Investigation Details
Police moved swiftly after witnesses alerted them to the incident, arresting a 31-year-old man at the scene. Subsequent searches of the suspect's residence allegedly uncovered chemicals and materials consistent with the manufacture of homemade explosives, according to police statements.
Commissioner Blanch clarified the current classification of the incident, stating: "At this stage we can show that it was what was called a hostile act. To be an act of terrorism, it requires one of three things, either political motivation, a religious motivation, or some type of ideology and advancing that cause." He emphasized that investigators need to examine digital devices, conduct interviews, and review additional materials before making a final determination about terrorist motivations.
Court Proceedings and Public Safety
The accused man appeared in Perth Magistrates Court on Tuesday facing charges of unlawful act or omission with intent to harm and making or possession of explosive under suspicious circumstances. He did not apply for bail, and his identity was suppressed after his legal representative argued that his safety would be at risk and he could become a target within the prison system.
The matter has been adjourned until February 17 while investigations continue. Authorities have reassured the public that there is no ongoing threat to community safety, with police maintaining a visible presence in the area following the incident.
CCTV footage released by police shows a man appearing to throw an object over the walkway before fleeing the area, providing crucial evidence for the ongoing investigation. The rapid police response and subsequent evacuation prevented what could have been a tragic outcome during the Australia Day events in Western Australia's capital city.
