A man accused of throwing a homemade explosive device into a crowd at an Invasion Day rally in Perth has appeared in court for the first time since being charged.
Liam Alexander Hall, 32, faces charges including engaging in a terrorist act over the incident that occurred on January 26 in Perth’s city centre.
Police allege Hall threw an improvised explosive device containing volatile chemicals, nails, and metal ball bearings from an elevated walkway above a crowd attending the rally. The device reportedly failed to detonate despite the fuse allegedly being lit.
Thousands of people were evacuated from Forrest Place after authorities discovered the suspicious device.
Hall appeared on Tuesday via video link from a psychiatric hospital courtroom, where the charges against him were formally read for the first time.
He was not required to enter a plea and briefly acknowledged his identity and understanding of the charges during the hearing.
In addition to the terrorism charge, Hall is accused of attempting to harm protesters and of making and possessing explosives.
Police allege the incident was a racially motivated attack targeting First Nations people attending the event and claim Hall had acted alone after becoming self-radicalised online.
Investigators further allege he had accessed bomb-making material and extremist “pro-white male” content online prior to the incident.
Hall was remanded in custody and the case was adjourned until September 16 for a committal mention at Stirling Gardens Magistrates Court.
If convicted of the terrorism-related offence, he could face life imprisonment.
