Perth's Invasion Day rally was evacuated after a device allegedly thrown into the crowd sparked explosion fears. The incident, which occurred at the peaceful protest, involved a man accused of throwing a device packed with ball bearings, screws, and an explosive liquid, concealed in a child's sock. Despite the severity, police have not declared it a terrorist act.
Western Australia's Police Commissioner Col Blanch explained that for an act to be classified as terrorism, it must involve political, religious, or ideological motivation. At this stage, the incident is being treated as a hostile act, with investigations ongoing. The Australian Federal Police and ASIO are assisting in determining whether such motivations exist.
The decision has drawn criticism from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice Commissioner Katie Kiss and others, who question why the incident is not labeled terrorism when targeting a First Nations crowd. Rally organiser Fabian Yarran called for a full investigation and appropriate charges if found to be an act of terrorism or hate crime.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese condemned the incident, stating that the person has been charged and should face the full force of the law. Minister for Indigenous Australians Malarndirri McCarthy described the targeting of a peaceful rally as sickening, emphasizing that all Australians should be able to gather without fear.
