‘White supremacist’ plotting ‘mass casualty attack’ on mosques in Australia arrested

A 20-year-old man from Western Australia has been arrested over an alleged plot to carry out “mass casualty” terror attacks targeting political institutions and mosques.

Jayson Joseph Michaels, from the rural town of Bindoon north of Perth, was detained by Western Australia’s Joint Counter Terrorism Team following an investigation into his online activity. Authorities say the probe uncovered deeply troubling material, including handwritten notes outlining potential targets.

Western Australia Police Commissioner Col Blanch said: “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.”

WA Premier Roger Cook told reporters the suspect had allegedly been influenced by extremist content online and was motivated by white supremacist ideology.

Officers executed a search warrant at Michaels’ family home, where he lived with his parents approximately an hour north of Perth. During the search, police seized firearms, imitation firearms, ballistic vests, gas masks and lock-picking equipment.

Blanch said the suspect had been “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 described the allegations as deeply disturbing. “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,” he said.

“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.”

Australian Federal Police Superintendent Peter Hatch told ABC News that Michaels’ arrest marks the first time an individual has been charged with planning a terrorist attack in Western Australia.

Describing what officers allegedly discovered inside the 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.”

Investigations remain ongoing as authorities continue to examine the seized materials and assess the extent of the alleged plot.