The suspect is Jayson Joseph Michaels, 20, from Bindoon north of Perth. Western Australia's Joint Counter Terrorism Team investigated the suspect's online activities and arrested him. Police found a notebook outlining preparations for a terrorist attack at significant locations including the WA police headquarters building, parliament house, and places of Muslim faith.
" WA Premier Roger Cook said the suspect was motivated by white supremacist ideology online. Police found firearms, imitation firearms, ballistic vests, gas masks, and lock-picking equipment at the suspect's home. The suspect lived with his parents around an hour north of Perth and was radicalised online, according to police commissioner Col Blanch.
Most concerningly, there was a notebook that outlined preparations for a terrorist attack at significant locations including the WA police headquarters building, parliament house, and places of Muslim faith.
Michaels has been charged with acting in preparation for a terrorist act, using a carriage service to menace or harass, possessing a prohibited weapon, and two firearms offences. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said allegations the man was planning to target the Muslim community through attacks on mosques, as well as attacks on WA police and parliament, are particularly distressing. " AFP Superintendent Peter Hatch said Michaels' arrest is the first time someone has been charged with planning a terror attack in Western Australia.
" The exact timing of the arrest has not been disclosed, and the content of the manifesto-style document remains unknown. Michaels is currently facing multiple charges, with his next court date yet to be announced.
Allegations the man was planning to target the Muslim community through attacks on mosques — as well as attacks on the WA police and parliament — are particularly distressing.
It’s alleged the man had written a manifesto-style document outlining plans for an ideologically motivated attack of violent extremism involving mass casualties.