News|Indigenous RightsPolice probe explosive device thrown at Indigenous protest in AustraliaMan charged with throwing explosive device into a crowd at Invasion Day protest in Western Australia’s Perth.
## Incident Investigation: Alleged Bombing Attempt in Perth
Incident Investigation: Alleged Bombing Attempt in Perth
Authorities in Western Australia are investigating an alleged bombing attempt during an Indigenous rights protest in Perth as a potential terrorist incident. This follows the charging of a 31-year-old man with throwing a homemade explosive device at an Invasion Day protest attended by thousands on Mon, Jan 26, 2026.
The device, which did not explode, consisted of nails and ball bearings. It was thrown into a large crowd during the protest on Australia Day, also known as Invasion Day. No injuries were reported. A search of the suspect’s home led to the discovery of chemicals and materials consistent with the manufacture of homemade explosives.
The suspect faces charges of attempting to cause harm and manufacturing or possessing explosives under suspicious circumstances. The police have confirmed the device as a homemade improvised explosive device containing volatile chemicals, with nails and metal ball bearings attached.
The device, which did not explode, consisted of nails and ball bearings.
Hannah McGlade, an Indigenous Noongar community member and law associate professor, expressed concerns about the incident not being adequately addressed as a hate crime or potential terrorist act. The Human Rights Law Centre has also called for a comprehensive investigation into the attack as a potential act of terrorism or hate crime, citing concerns over police response and communication with protest organizers.
Western Australia Police stated that, alerted by a member of the public, they detained the suspect and conducted an inspection of the device. The police continue to investigate the incident thoroughly.
Based on reporting by Al Jazeera.