Western Australia's top police officer has confirmed that authorities are treating a device thrown into an Invasion Day rally crowd as a potential explosive. The incident occurred at Forrest Chase in Perth, leading to the swift arrest of a 31-year-old man from Warwick.
Device Contained Ball Bearings and Screws
Upon inspection, police discovered that the rudimentary device was constructed with ball bearings and screws wrapped around a glass container. This container held an unknown liquid, which forensic teams are currently working to identify. The device did not detonate, and fortunately, there were no injuries reported from the scene.
Evacuation of Over 2000 Demonstrators
The alarming event prompted the immediate evacuation of more than 2000 demonstrators who had gathered for the rally. WA Police Commissioner Col Blanch addressed the seriousness of the situation, emphasising the potential danger posed by the device's components.
Commissioner Blanch stated, "The device that was located just in front of the stage area contained ball bearings, contained screws, and those items were wrapped around an unknown, at this stage, liquid in a glass container." He further added, "This is a very, very serious incident."
Police Response and Investigation
The incident unfolded around 12:30 PM, approximately half an hour after the rally commenced. Witnesses on the upper eastern side of Forrest Place observed a male throwing an object towards the stage area. These vigilant members of the public promptly alerted police officers who were present for security duties.
Police responded immediately, arresting the individual who threw the device. During the arrest, the man indicated that the device might contain explosives, heightening concerns. Authorities are currently conducting a search of the man's home in Warwick as part of their ongoing investigation.
No Ongoing Threat to Public Safety
At this stage, police believe the man acted alone, and no motive has been established. Importantly, there is believed to be no ongoing threat to public safety following the incident. No charges have been laid yet as the investigation continues to gather evidence and analyse the device's components.
Commissioner Blanch praised the quick response from both the public and police, which helped prevent any harm. The forensic examination of the liquid remains a critical focus, with results expected to shed light on the device's intended purpose.
