WA joint counter-terrorism team charge Jayson Joseph Michaels over allegations he was preparing for terror act

A 20-year-old alleged white supremacist was plotting to attack parliament house, WA police headquarters and religious buildings in a string of mass casualty events foiled by police.

Jayson Joseph Michaels came to the attention of authorities last month as part of an encrypted messaging group chat where he allegedly expressed anti-Semitic and racist ideologies.

Police Commissioner Col Blanch said investigations led officers to conduct a search warrant at a property in Bindoon on Thursday afternoon where they seized firearms, a ballistic vest, gas mask and lock picking tools.

“Most concerningly, there was a notebook that outlined preparations for a terrorist attack at significant locations including the WA Police Headquarters, building, Parliament House and places of Muslim faith in WA,” Mr Blanch said.

Michaels has been charged with five offences including possessing a prohibited weapon, fail to store a firearm or related thing in compliant storage, unlicensed ammunition and use of a carriage service to menace or harass.

He is also facing a charge related to an alleged act in preparation for a terrorist act.

The WA joint counter-terrorism team are continuing to investigate the matter.

More to come.