Police in Western Australia are reportedly investigating the deployment of an explosive device during an Indigenous rights protest in Perth as a potential act of terrorism. This escalation follows intense scrutiny from community leaders and human rights organizations demanding a comprehensive response to the incident that occurred during Monday's 'Invasion Day' commemorations.
The Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) confirmed that the investigation has been elevated to examine the event as a 'potential terrorist act.' This development comes two days after a 31-year-old male suspect was charged with throwing a 'homemade improvised explosive device' into a crowd of thousands marking the anniversary of the 1788 British arrival in Sydney Harbour.
While the device did not detonate and resulted in no injuries, police confirmed it was constructed from volatile chemicals, nails, and ball bearings. A subsequent search of the suspect's residence allegedly uncovered materials consistent with the manufacture of further explosives. The man currently faces charges including attempt to cause harm and possession of explosives under suspicious circumstances.
Indigenous leaders argue that the initial police handling of the incident failed to adequately address the context of politically motivated violence. Hannah McGlade, a Noongar community member and law academic, stated that authorities appeared to have 'heard our concerns' regarding the necessity of classifying the event as a hate crime or terrorism-related incident, given the target demographic.
The Human Rights Law Centre echoed these demands, calling for the 'violent, racist attack on First Nations people' to be fully investigated under terrorism or hate crime statutes. The organization also raised serious questions regarding the operational response and communication protocols of the Western Australia Police Force both preceding and following the attack, citing reports that credible threats may have been ignored.
The device was reportedly thrown from a walkway into the crowd of over 2,000 participants. Police were alerted by a member of the public, leading to the swift apprehension of the suspect and the inspection of the unexploded ordnance by bomb response units.
This incident underscores the heightened security and political tensions surrounding Australia Day observances, which remain a focal point for debate regarding national identity and the ongoing reconciliation process with Indigenous populations. The outcome of the terrorism probe will likely have significant implications for how authorities categorize and manage politically charged demonstrations across the nation. (Source: Al Jazeera, based on reports from the Australian Broadcasting Corporation and Western Australia Police Force).