White Powder Discovery at Perth Mosque Triggers Counterterrorism Investigation
Counterterrorism authorities in Western Australia have launched a formal investigation after a disturbance and the discovery of a white powder outside a prominent Perth Mosque in the early hours of the morning. The incident occurred on William Street in Northbridge, with police responding to reports of a scuffle near the building entrance around 1am.
Upon arrival, officers located a white powder substance on the footpath adjacent to the front steps of the mosque. WA Police Commissioner Col Blanch later described the powder as "inert" and confirmed it poses no immediate health or safety risk. However, due to the sensitive nature of the location—a place of worship—the matter has been referred to the State Security Investigation Unit for further scrutiny.
Connection to Recent Terror Plot Allegations
This overnight incident unfolds against a backdrop of heightened security concerns in Western Australia. Just 24 hours prior, a 20-year-old man, Jayson Joseph Michaels from Bindoon, was charged with preparing an act of terrorism. Police allege his plans included mass casualty attacks targeting WA Police headquarters, Parliament House, and Muslim places of worship in Perth.
Authorities claim to have uncovered a manifesto-style document outlining ideologically motivated violence, along with a cache of weapons including seven firearms, ammunition, ballistic gear, and dozens of knives. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese labeled these allegations as "deeply shocking," particularly the targeting of mosques.
WA Premier Roger Cook has since met with leaders at Perth Mosque, and security has been visibly increased at public institutions and religious sites across the state. While officials insist there is no ongoing threat, the proximity of these two events has intensified community anxiety.
Investigation Details and Community Impact
Commissioner Blanch stated that detectives are actively reviewing CCTV footage to determine whether the white powder was deliberately placed and if the reported scuffle is connected. "We don't know if it was in fact targeted at the mosque, but certainly, given the location, we are doing an investigation," he emphasized.
Police are also investigating whether Michaels was radicalized through an encrypted Telegram group promoting white supremacist ideology, described as a loose network of "like-minded" individuals without a clear hierarchy. Authorities are analyzing messages from the group and have warned others involved to expect contact from officers.
Imam's Warning on Divisive Rhetoric
Perth Mosque Imam Sheikh Shakib Mohammad expressed concern that rhetoric targeting Muslim Australians has created an environment where hostility can flourish. He pointed to recent comments by politicians like Pauline Hanson, who questioned whether there are any "good Muslims," describing such language as reckless and dangerous.
"How on earth can you have a certain politician that demonises an entire faith group?" the imam asked. "Islamophobia has become so normalised it's become mainstream." He noted that his congregation includes everyday Australians such as doctors, teachers, and business owners, warning that vulnerable members, like visibly Muslim schoolchildren, often bear the brunt of divisive public debates.
Ongoing Security Measures
Police have not confirmed whether the white powder incident was an act of intimidation, a prank, or unrelated to the alleged terror plot. For now, investigators are treating it as a security matter, with enhanced security protocols implemented at Parliament House and various places of worship. The community remains on edge as authorities work to ensure safety and address underlying tensions.
