Australian authorities have charged a 20-year-old man over an alleged mass-casualty terror plot targeting mosques and public buildings in Western Australia.
The suspect, Jayson Joseph Michaels, from the rural town of Bindoon north of Perth, was arrested during a counter-terrorism operation and appeared in court on February 27, 2026.
Police allege Michaels was planning attacks on several locations, including Muslim places of worship, Western Australia’s Parliament House and the state police headquarters. Investigators said a search of the suspect’s home uncovered multiple firearms, knives, a ballistic vest, gas masks and a notebook allegedly outlining preparations for a terrorist attack.
Authorities say the alleged plan was motivated by white supremacist ideology, and the investigation involved Australia’s Joint Counter Terrorism Team, which includes federal police, state police and intelligence agencies. Officials said there is no ongoing threat to the public as the case proceeds through the courts.
