Australian Man Charged with Preparing Terrorist Act in Alleged Racist Plot Targeting Mosques and Government Buildings

Perth, Australia - A 20-year-old man from Bindoon, north of Perth, appeared in Perth Magistrates Court on Friday, February 27, charged with planning a terrorist act after authorities allegedly uncovered a manifesto detailing intentions to carry out mass-casualty attacks on mosques, the Western Australia Police Headquarters and the state's Parliament House.

The man, identified in media reports as Jayson Joseph Michaels, was arrested following a search warrant executed at his home on Thursday, February 26, by the Western Australia Police Force's State Security Investigation Group.

The operation formed part of an investigation into alleged antisemitic, Islamophobic and racially-motivated online hate speech.

The Western Australia Joint Counter Terrorism Team (WA JCTT), comprising the Western Australia Police Force, Australian Federal Police (AFP) and Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO), alleges the man authored a manifesto-style document outlining plans for a nationalist and racist ideologically-motivated act of violent extremism.

It is further alleged the document specified targets including mosques in Western Australia, as well as key government sites in Perth.

Australian Federal Police Superintendent, Peter Hatch, shared details of the alleged intentions.

"It’s alleged the man had written a manifesto-style document outlining plans for a nationalist and racist ideologically-motivated act of violent extremism involving mass casualties.

"It is further alleged the man detailed intentions to attack mosques in WA, as well as WA Police Headquarters and WA Parliament House," the joint release stated.

The man faces multiple charges, including an act in preparation for or planning a terrorist act, contrary to section 101.6 of the Criminal Code (Cth), carrying a maximum penalty of life imprisonment. 

Using a carriage service to menace, harass or cause offence, contrary to section 474.17 of the Criminal Code (Cth), with a maximum penalty of three years’ imprisonment.

Carrying or possessing prohibited weapon, contrary to section 6(1)(b) of the Weapons Act (WA), maximum two years’ imprisonment. 

Failing to store a firearm or related thing in compliant storage, contrary to section 306(1) of the Firearms Act (WA), maximum $5,000 fine. 

Possessing or acquiring ammunition without authorisation, contrary to section 241 of the Firearms Act (WA), maximum three years’ imprisonment.

During the search, investigators seized a butterfly knife, unlicensed ammunition including more than 1,000 rounds not stored securely, and other items.

WA Police Commissioner, Col. Blanch explained the ideological motivations uncovered during the investigation.

"The communications contained white supremacy ideology, anti-Muslim ideology, antisemitism and conversations about minority groups he called 'abhorrent'," Blanch said, according to reports.

WA Premier, Roger Cook, confirmed no ongoing threat to the community exists following the arrest and thanked police for acting on intelligence.

"Yesterday, a 20-year-old man was arrested and charged with an act in preparation for a terrorist act.

"...I've been advised there is no ongoing threat to the community," Cook said in a statement.

The man was refused bail and is due to reappear in Perth Magistrates Court on March 23, 2026.

Investigations by the WA JCTT remain ongoing.