AFP Chief Barrett: Op Dumfries Media Brief
The Western Australia Joint Counter Terrorism Team - the JCTT - yesterday (4 February, 2026) charged a 31-year-old man with one count of committing a terrorist act.
It will be alleged the man removed a home-made improvised explosive device from his bag and threw it at a rally held in support of First Nations people, in Perth's CBD on 26 January, 2026.
The man, who remains in custody, was charged by the WA JCTT with one count of engage in terrorist act, contrary to section 101.1 of the Criminal Code (Cth). The offence carries a maximum penalty of life imprisonment.
The man is expected to next appear in Perth Magistrates Court on 17 February, when the Commonwealth terrorism charge will be heard alongside the state charges that relate to this matter.
This is the first time an individual has been charged with this offence in Western Australia.
I will first take the time to explain the investigative process in relation to this matter, and then I will outline the thresholds we need to meet to lay terrorism charges.
At 12.18pm West Australian time, the man allegedly threw the device into the crowd. At 12.23pm, the man was arrested by Western Australia Police and at 12.54pm, the WA JCTT - Western Australian Police Force, the AFP and ASIO - was engaged.
The involvement of the WA JCTT gives experienced terrorism investigators early access to evidence and other material to determine if the alleged incident could reach the threshold of terrorism.
On 27 January, the day after the alleged offence, the Joint Management Committee of the JCTT endorsed the investigation, which is known as Operation Dumfries.
A JCTT investigation triggers elevated Commonwealth powers, capability, and resources.
The chair of all JCTT Joint Management Committees around the country is the AFP's Counter Terrorism and Special Investigations Assistant Commissioner Stephen Nutt.
Assistant Commissioner Nutt has been involved in counter terrorism and national security investigations since 2008. This is an important point to make because it not only shows expertise, but it also ensures there is a level of consistency across all JCTT terrorism investigations in Australia.
Since 27 January, the JCTT has accessed the alleged offender's digital devices and has worked around the clock to determine whether he acted alone and if there was any residual risk to the community.
We do not believe there is any residual risk to the community relating to the alleged attack.
There is still a significant amount of digital data and material to assess, however, the JCTT is satisfied the threshold has been met for a terrorism offence.
Under the Criminal Code three key components must be met, including:
A significant amount of investigative work is needed to meet the thresholds and to ensure a brief of evidence is thorough and comprehensive. The JCTT has done this quickly and without delay.
I want to thank the JCTT, members of Western Australia Police Force and Commissioner Col Blanch, for their absolute professionalism and tenacity during the investigation, which will continue for some time.
I also want to acknowledge the West Australian public for providing key assistance and information to investigators.
I would now like to directly address First Nations people and others who were present during the incident on 26 January, and more broadly, First Australians across the country.
Firstly, you have the right to peacefully protest in this country without facing threats of violence. This is a key principle of democracy in Australia.
The AFP, and our security and law enforcement partners, will use all our powers, capabilities and resources to ensure hate and violence are not used as weapons to silence communities.
Our newly-established AFP hate disrupters, officially known as our National Security Investigations Teams, are setting up in Western Australia and will take very proactive action against those who endanger our social cohesion by promoting hate and violence.
There are individuals and current and emerging groups across Australia, including in the West, which are eroding the country's social fabric by advocating hatred, fear, and humiliation that is mobilising towards violence. I am here to put these groups and individuals on notice.
The National Security Investigations Teams are working closely with existing security investigation units across state and territory police jurisdictions to ensure there is a nationally coordinated, consistent and intelligence-led response to security threats.
We want to ensure all police agencies have the information and intelligence needed to deliver the most effective and disruptive policing response.
I can tell you - Commissioner Blanch and myself - have zero tolerance for hate crimes or communal violence.
Today is an update as much as it is as a warning.
And the proof is an individual is facing life behind bars because of their alleged actions.
If anyone has information that a person holds extreme views and is mobilising to violence, please reach out to authorities or call the National Security Hotline on 1800 123 400.
Thank you.
https://www.afp.gov.au/news-centre/media-statement/afp-commissioner-krissy-barrett-op-dumfries-media-conference-statement
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