A man has been charged with a terror offence over a failed alleged bombing at a Perth Invasion Day rally, as announced by Western Australia’s premier, with authorities saying the incident is being treated as a terrorism offence.

Police described the attempted bombing at the Forrest Place Invasion Day rally on January 26 as a terror attack, marking the first terrorism offence charge in Western Australia.

A 31-year-old man faces fresh terrorism charges in Western Australia after allegedly throwing a homemade bomb into a Perth Australia Day protest, and the attack is being treated as a possible terrorism incident.

Federal politicians and authorities stressed the seriousness of the incident, condemned racism, and underscored the right of First Nations people to protest safely, noting the investigation involves the right agencies and experts.

The article places the event within broader political and social discourse around Invasion Day and Indigenous rights protests, without revealing motive or the suspect’s identity.

As of February 5, 2026, at 2:48 pm local time, authorities confirmed the charge and ongoing police investigation.

Official statements from Western Australia’s premier and law enforcement highlight the alleged attack, the suspect’s details, and potential motives as the briefing’s central focus.

Political figures urged those with extremist views to contact the National Security Hotline and Indigenous crisis support services were made available for those affected.

WA Premier Roger Cook, WA Police Commissioner Col Blanch, and AFP Commissioner Krissy Barrett announced the new charges after discussions with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese in Canberra.

The accused is due back in court later this month; the incident occurred in a crowd of about 2,500, and the device reportedly contained screws and ball bearings within an explosive liquid.

The charges represent a first in WA and result from a joint investigation by WA Police, the Australian Federal Police, and ASIO, with the WA Joint Counter-Terrorism Task Force involved from the start.

Opposition and government figures characterized the incident as a potential mass-casualty event driven by racism and hatred, calling for strong action against extremism and enhanced public safety.