Man Charged with Terrorism for Alleged Bomb Plot

0:00A man and Perth faces terrorism charges after allegedly throwing a homemade bomb packed with ball bearings and screws into a crowded city center spot. The device failed to go off, so no one got hurt, but cops called it a potential mass casualty event aimed at indigenous folks. He's the first ever in Western Australia, hit with his terror act charge. Earlier this week in Magistrate's court, he skipped his appearance, but his lawyer stepped up saying they might push an insanity defense. As under Section 27 of W.A. Law, arguing a mental condition meant he couldn't grasp his actions were wrong. They're lining up a psychiatrist report before his next hearing, late May. The move sparked a big outrage, especially from Aboriginal communities, who saw it as a targeted racist attack. Police Commissioner called it nationalist and racially driven against First Nations people. Identity stayed secret for weeks under a court suppression order, lifted just last month. Police also charged with endangering lives and messing with suspicious explosives.

1:02Turns out he already has a treating psychiatrist, which ties into the defense plan. He stays locked up for now, with that plea decision coming soon. We'll keep watching how this mental health angle plays out in court. Sydney News Today, powered by AI bringing you what matters.