Invasion Day rally bomb scare probed as ‘potential terrorist act’

A joint counter-terrorism team is investigating the bomb scare at an Invasion Day rally in Perth’s CBD as a potential terrorist act.

CCTV footage appears to show a man launching a device from a balcony outside a department store and taking off as it lands into the crowd gathered in Forrest Place (9news).

A 31-year-old man has been charged but his identity can’t be revealed out of concerns for his safety.

Late on Wednesday, the Western Australia Joint Counter Terrorism Team – including WA Police, federal police and the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation – confirmed the new status of the investigation (The Age). 

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said police should “throw the book” at the man who allegedly threw the device into the crowd (BBC). 

It comes as First Nations leaders demand a stronger response to the alleged attack from political leaders and law enforcement authorities (ABC).