PERTH, WA — In a landmark decision for Western Australian legal history, a Perth magistrate has lifted a suppression order on the identity of the man accused of attempting a racially motivated bombing at an Invasion Day rally. Liam Alexander Hall, 32, has been unmasked as the individual facing several serious charges, including the first-ever terrorism offense laid in the state’s history.
The decision, handed down by Magistrate Lynette Dias on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, emphasizes the fundamental principle of open justice. “Public interest will generally prevail over the adverse personal consequences to litigants,” Dias told the court, arguing that the media must be allowed to provide a “fair and accurate report” on matters of such significant public concern.
The Incident: A Near “Mass Casualty Event”
The charges stem from an incident on January 26, 2026, during an annual Invasion Day rally in Perth’s CBD. Approximately 2,500 people, including First Nations Elders, families, and children, had gathered in Forrest Place for a peaceful protest.
Police allege that Hall threw a homemade “fragment bomb”—a glass device filled with volatile liquids, ball bearings, and nails—from a walkway above the crowd.
- The Device: Authorities claim the bomb was designed to explode on impact.
- The Fuse: Investigations revealed that a fuse had allegedly been lit, though the device ultimately failed to detonate.
- The Scope: WA Premier Roger Cook stated the incident had the potential to become a “mass casualty event,” describing the motivation behind the attack as “hateful, racist ideology.”
A Legal Milestone: WA’s First Terrorism Charge
While Hall was initially charged with state offenses, including making or possessing an explosive and intent to harm, the case was subsequently escalated. The Western Australian Joint Counter Terrorism Team (JCTT)—comprising the WA Police, Australian Federal Police (AFP), and ASIO—led the investigation that resulted in Hall becoming the first person in WA history to be charged with engaging in a terrorist act.
Under Australian law, a [terrorist act]() is defined as an act done with the intention of advancing a political, religious, or ideological cause by coercing or influencing a government or intimidating the public.
Current Legal Status
| Detail | Status |
|---|---|
| Accused | Liam Alexander Hall, 32 |
| Primary Charge | Engaging in a Terrorist Act (Commonwealth) |
| Secondary Charges | Possessing explosives; Act with intent to harm (State) |
| Current Plea | No pleas entered |
| Next Court Date | March 31, 2026 |
| Maximum Penalty | Life Imprisonment |
The Defense and Mental Health Concerns
Hall’s defense lawyer, Simon Freitag, had argued for the continued suppression of his client’s name, citing significant mental health concerns. Freitag told the court that Hall was “mentally unwell” and at risk of self-harm if his identity were revealed to the public. Hall did not appear via video link from prison on Tuesday morning, with his lawyer stating he was unable to face the court.
However, Commonwealth prosecutor Kirsten Nelson argued that any risk to Hall could be managed within the custody system. She also noted that the suppression order had already led to cases of misidentification in the community, posing a risk to innocent individuals while Hall’s name remained hidden.
National Reaction: “Frightening” Ideology
The case has sparked shock and condemnation across Australia. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese described the idea of a racially motivated attack on First Nations people as “frightening” and “shocking.” Senator Lidia Thorpe also brought the matter to the Senate, condemning the initial “silence” surrounding the incident before the terrorism charges were laid.
Police Commissioner Col Blanch alleged that Hall was “self-radicalized” and had accessed “pro-white” and nationalist material online. The investigation into Hall’s digital footprint and ideological participating continues as he remains on remand.
Would you like me to look for the specific legislative details regarding WA’s new counter-terrorism protocols or track any upcoming Senate motions related to this case?