Identity of Perth Terror Attack Accused Revealed as Liam Alexander Hall
The man accused of carrying out Perth's first terror attack has been publicly identified as Liam Alexander Hall, a 32-year-old resident of Warwick. His identity had been protected under a suppression order until Tuesday, when a magistrate lifted the order following a legal challenge by 7NEWS and other media outlets.
Details of the Alleged Attack
Hall faces charges for allegedly hurling a homemade bomb into a peaceful Invasion Day rally on Australia Day, an act that police described as potentially catastrophic. Authorities state that approximately 2,500 people had gathered at Parliament House for the rally when the incident occurred. The device's fuse was reportedly lit, but it either fell out or extinguished upon being thrown, preventing what could have been a mass casualty event.
Following the alleged attack, police escorted Hall to his Warwick home, where detectives conducted searches for bomb-making materials. Hall, who turned 32 in custody last week, is now recognized as Western Australia's first alleged terrorist.
Legal Proceedings and Public Statements
Magistrate Lynette Dias ruled that the suppression order was "not in the interests of justice," leading to its removal. Tony McCarthy, a lawyer for Seven West Media, commented, "It's a good example of the courts of this state recognizing the precedents for justice and applying them as they should."
Premier Roger Cook emphasized the importance of due process, stating, "That individual deserves their day in court. That's what we do in this sort of democracy." Under parliamentary privilege, Cook further described the incident as "a targeted attack on Aboriginal Australians, an assault on the freedoms we all share, an attack on our democracy."
Community and Personal Context
Rally organizers, speaking from the steps of Parliament House on Tuesday, vowed not to be silenced by the attack. Activist Jade Cameron urged restraint, saying, "We do ask that nobody takes matters into their own hands because we want him to face the full extent of the law." Police have implemented measures to protect Hall's family following the release of his identity.
It has also been disclosed that Hall has a diagnosis of autism. Currently, he is too ill to appear in court, with a letter from his treating psychiatrist recommending a six-week adjournment to allow medication to take effect. Hall was not present to witness the lifting of the suppression order and will remain in custody until his next court appearance scheduled for the end of March.
