Key Takeaways
- A 31-year-old man has been arrested for allegedly throwing a device that may have contained explosives into a crowd at an Invasion Day rally in Perth.
- The device, which was described as rudimentary and about the size of a medium coffee cup, contained ball bearings, screws, and an unknown liquid in a glass container.
- No injuries were reported, and police do not believe there is an ongoing threat to the community.
- The incident occurred during a peaceful protest, with thousands of people marching to express their views on Australia Day.
- Opposing rallies, including a March for Australia, were also held in other parts of the city, with a strong police presence maintained to ensure public safety.
Introduction to the Incident
A disturbing incident occurred on Australia Day in Perth, when a 31-year-old man was arrested for allegedly throwing a device that may have contained explosives into a crowd at an Invasion Day rally. The rally, which started at 12:30 pm, was attended by thousands of people who were peacefully protesting and expressing their views on the national holiday. According to WA Police Commissioner Col Blanch, the alleged incident occurred when a male threw an object down in front of the stage area, which was immediately reported to police by members of the public.
Details of the Incident
The device, which was described as rudimentary and about the size of a medium coffee cup, contained ball bearings, screws, and an unknown liquid in a glass container. Fortunately, the device did not detonate, and no injuries were reported. The 31-year-old man, who is from Warwick, was arrested and is currently in police custody, being interviewed by authorities. His house is also being searched, and no charges have been made at this time. Police Commissioner Blanch praised the swift response of police and the cooperation of the public, stating that protocols were immediately enacted to ensure public safety.
Reaction from Authorities and Politicians
The incident has been condemned by authorities and politicians, with Premier Roger Cook praising the efforts of WA police and acknowledging the organizers and attendees of the event for their cooperation. Cook emphasized the importance of unity and respect for different views, stating that "this Australia Day should be about unity, not division." Police Minister Reece Whitby also commented on the incident, saying that it had the potential to be a mass casualty event and was "absolutely un-Australian." The incident has highlighted the need for continued vigilance and cooperation between authorities and the public to ensure public safety.
Rallies and Protests Across Australia
The Invasion Day rally in Perth was one of several rallies and protests held across Australia on the national holiday. Thousands of people marched in cities including Sydney and Melbourne, expressing their views on the date of Australia Day and the treatment of Indigenous Australians. In Sydney, an Invasion Day rally at Hyde Park opened with a tribute to the victims of the Lake Cargelligo shooting, while in Melbourne, both rallies were several thousand people strong, with the Invasion Day march estimated to be at least twice the size of the March for Australia. The rallies were largely peaceful, with a strong police presence maintained to ensure public safety.
Maintaining Public Safety
The incident in Perth highlights the importance of maintaining public safety during large gatherings and protests. A WA Police spokeswoman stated that a strong police presence would be maintained at both rallies, with officers to only intervene if a protest becomes unlawful, disorderly, or there is a threat posed to public safety. While there was no intelligence to suggest any heightened threat in WA, high-visibility patrols were in place to provide reassurance and demonstrate the commitment to keeping the community safe and preventing harm. The incident serves as a reminder of the need for continued cooperation and vigilance between authorities and the public to ensure public safety and prevent harm.
