Perth Mosque Incident: Police Probe Mysterious White Substance Found at Worship Site
Police in Western Australia are conducting a thorough investigation into the origin of a mysterious white substance discovered at a mosque in Perth. The incident occurred in the early hours of Saturday morning, prompting a swift response from authorities.
Discovery and Initial Response
Officers rushed to the place of worship on William Street in Northbridge at approximately 1am on Saturday following reports of a disturbance outside the building. Upon arrival, they found a white substance on the steps outside the mosque. According to 7News reports, the substance was described as 'non-suspicious' in nature.
WA Police Commissioner Col Blanch addressed the media, stating that the powder posed no risk to the community. However, he emphasized that the discovery was concerning given the location. 'We don't know if it was in fact targeted at the mosque, but certainly, given the location, we are doing an investigation,' Commissioner Blanch said.
Elevated Security Investigation
The matter has been escalated to the State Security Investigation Unit, which handles serious security threats including suspected terrorism and extremism. Police are reviewing CCTV footage as part of their hunt for the individual who may have placed the substance in the area. Additionally, investigators are examining any potential connection between the earlier scuffle and the powder.
It remains unclear whether the white substance was:
- An attempt at intimidation
- A prank
- Unrelated to any alleged terror plot
Context of Heightened Alert
This incident occurred against a backdrop of heightened security in Perth. Just hours before the mosque discovery, it was revealed that Jayson Joseph Michaels, 20, had been charged in an unrelated incident. Michaels was accused of preparing for a 'terrorist act' on public buildings, including mosques.
Police conducted a search at a home in Bindoon, approximately 80km from Perth, where officers allegedly seized:
- Firearms and imitation firearms
- A knife collection
- Ballistic vest
- Gas masks
- Lock-picking equipment
Commissioner Blanch told reporters that officers also allegedly found a notebook written as a 'manifesto-style document' that outlined preparations for a terrorist attack at significant locations, including the WA Police Headquarters, Parliament House, and places of Muslim faith.
Ideological Content and Charges
The messages contained within the document allegedly expressed 'white supremacy ideology' and 'anti-Muslim ideology', along with antisemitism and other conversations about minority groups, which Commissioner Blanch described as 'abhorrent'.
Following the raid on the Wheatbelt property, Michaels, who lives with his parents, was charged with five offences. Premier Roger Cook stated that the young man's alleged plan had been for a 'mass casualty event' and that the counter terrorism team 'had prevented an alleged act of terror in our city' aimed at 'attacking the heart of our democracy'.
'Whatever our differences, we all have the right to go about our lives free from the fear of violence,' Premier Cook emphasized.
Legal Proceedings
After appearing at Perth Magistrate's Court on Friday, Michaels' bail was refused while the matter remains before the court. The investigation into the white substance at the mosque continues, with authorities working to determine whether there is any connection to the broader security concerns in the region.
