Man in court over Perth rally attack

WA Police have charged a 31-year-old man after an investigation into the attempted ‘bomb attack’ during the  Invasion/Survival day protest in Perth on Monday.

Police have alleged the man was at the rally at Forrest Place in the CBD and removed an item from his bag and threw it into the crowd from a first-floor walkway before attempting to flee the scene.

A member of the public is believed to have alerted police, who took action to protect and disperse the crowd of about 2500 people.

The man, not named, appeared before magistrates on January 27 and was charged with one count of unlawful act or omission with intent to harm (endangering life, health or safety of any person) and one count of making or possession of explosives under suspicious circumstances.

“Completely unacceptable”

Bail was refused and he will appear in court again next month.

WA Premier Roger Cook has described the attack as “completely unacceptable”.

“Now more than ever it is important that we treat each other’s views with respect. It is our differences and our diversity which make Australia the country we all love,” the Premier said.

“We can’t let hate win. It is completely unacceptable in Australia. It is completely unacceptable in Western Australia.”

Investigations ongoing

WA Police Commissioner Col Blanch said police still are investigating whether the allegation should be classified as an act of terror.

Prime Minister Albanese has also criticised the attack and said the court system should “throw the book” at the alleged offender.

Outspoken independent senator Lidia Thorpe has also said the alleged attack was a serious offence and has called on authorities to investigate whether the incident should be classified as a terrorist attack.