Australian PM says man accused in Perth rally bomb incident faces full force of law

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has said a man accused of throwing a homemade bomb into a crowd at a rally supporting Indigenous Australians should face the “full force of the law”, as police continue to investigate whether the incident constitutes terrorism.

The Perth rally bomb incident occurred on Australia Day, when an estimated 2,500 people gathered in the Western Australian capital to attend an “Invasion Day” protest, held by Indigenous Australians and their supporters to mark the impact of European colonisation.

Police said a 31-year-old man was detained after allegedly hurling an object into the crowd. The device did not detonate and no injuries were reported.

Speaking to reporters on Tuesday, Albanese described the incident as “quite shocking” but said he could not comment further as the matter was now before the courts. “I look forward to him being prosecuted to the full force of the law,” he said.

The man, whose identity has been suppressed by a court order, has been charged with manufacturing explosives and intending to cause harm. Authorities are also examining whether additional terrorism charges may apply.

Western Australia Police said the object thrown was a homemade improvised explosive device containing a mixture of chemicals, nails and metal ball bearings. A subsequent search of the man’s home allegedly uncovered materials consistent with the manufacture of homemade explosives.

Western Australia Police Commissioner Col Blanch said the incident was being treated as a “hostile act”, though investigators are still assessing whether there was a political, religious or ideological motive, which would be required to pursue terrorism-related charges.

The Perth rally bomb incident comes at a time of heightened national sensitivity, following a mass shooting last December at a Jewish festival in Sydney that left 15 people dead.

Western Australian Premier Roger Cook condemned the alleged attack, urging unity in the wake of the incident. “We can’t let hate win,” he said, calling on Australians to respect differing views and emphasising that diversity is central to the country’s identity.

The accused man has been remanded in custody and is due to return to court on 17 February, as investigations into the incident continue.