‘White supremacist’ plotting ‘mass casualty attack’ on mosques arrested
A 20-year-old man from Perth, Australia, has been arrested after planning ‘mass casualty’ terror attacks in political buildings and mosques.
Jayson Joseph Michaels, 20, from the town of Bindoon north of Perth, was caught by Western Australia’s Joint Counter Terrorism Team after they investigated his online activities.
‘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,’ police commissioner Col Blanch said.
WA’s Premier, Roger Cook, said at a press conference that the suspect was motivated by white supremacist ideology online.
After executing a search warrant at his home, police found firearms, imitation firearms, ballistic vests, gas masks and lock-picking equipment.
Blanch added that the man lived with his parents around an hour north of Perth and said he was ‘radicalised online’.
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 the WA police and parliament — are particularly distressing.
‘There is no place in our country for any kind of racially or religiously-motivated prejudice or hate. As I’ve said many times, we need to take the temperature down.
‘Political leaders have a particular responsibility not to fan the flames of bigotry.’
Police seize notebook and ‘manifesto’ document
AFP Superintendent Peter Hatch told ABC News that Michaels’ arrest is the first time someone has been charged with planning a terror attack in Western Australia.
When police searched Michaels’ home, Hatch said: ‘It’s alleged the man had written a manifesto-style document outlining plans for an ideologically motivated attack of violent extremism involving mass casualties.
He added: ‘Most concerningly, there was a notebook outlining plans for a terrorist attack at significant locations.’
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