State Security Investigation Group officers have charged a man following an investigation into an incident that occurred in the Perth CBD on Monday, 26 January 2026.
About 12.15pm, the man was in attendance at a public rally at Forrest Place, where a crowd of approximately 2,500 people were present. Police will allege the man removed an item from his bag and threw it into the crowd from a first-floor walkway before fleeing the scene.
A member of the public alerted police, who took immediate action to protect and disperse the crowd and to isolate the suspicious item.
The man was identified and quickly taken into custody by police on the first-floor walkway.
Specialist officers from the WA Police Bomb Response Unit and forensic officers attended the scene and examined the item. It was confirmed to be a homemade improvised explosive device containing a mixture of volatile and potentially explosive chemicals, with nails and metal ball bearings affixed to the exterior.
A subsequent search of the man's home was conducted, where it is further alleged a combination of chemicals and materials consistent with the manufacture of homemade explosives was located.
The 31-year-old Warwick man has been charged with the following offences:
• 1 x Unlawful act or omission with intent to harm (endangering life, health or safety of any person)
• 1 x Making or possession of explosives under suspicious circumstances
His bail was refused, and he is due to appear before the Perth Magistrates Court on Tuesday, 27 January 2026.
