20-year-old man charged with terrorism offences in WA after alleged extremist plot
Consensus Summary
A 20-year-old man named Jayson Joseph Michaels was charged with terrorism offences in Western Australia after police raided his parents’ home in Bindoon in February 2024. Authorities allege he wrote a manifesto detailing plans for violent attacks on Parliament House, police headquarters, and mosques in Perth, fueled by white supremacist ideology and radicalised online. Michaels allegedly stockpiled weapons, researched explosives and firearm construction, and discussed his plans in extremist chat groups. His defence lawyer argued the case was weak, describing his client as an isolated and depressed youth engaging in escapist fantasies, while prosecutors countered that his diary and online activity demonstrated a clear intent to carry out a terrorist act. Magistrate Belinda Coleman refused bail, citing disturbing entries in his locked diary and the seriousness of the charges. Michaels is due to appear in court again in May, facing multiple terrorism-related offences.
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Key details reported by multiple sources:
- Jayson Joseph Michaels, 20, was charged with terrorism and weapons offences following a raid at his parents’ Bindoon home (75km northeast of Perth) on February 2024.
- Police seized a written manifesto containing plans for attacks on Parliament House, police headquarters, and mosques in Perth during the raid.
- Authorities allege Michaels was radicalised online and motivated by white supremacist ideology, with evidence including online chat groups and extremist material.
- Michaels allegedly wrote in his diary: 'What I want to do to both of these groups pales in comparison to today' (referencing Bondi Beach shootings).
- Michaels was remanded in custody after a bail hearing in Perth Magistrates Court on March 2024, with Magistrate Belinda Coleman refusing bail.
- Michaels appeared via video link from Casuarina Prison’s special handling unit during the bail hearing.
- Police seized dozens of rounds of ammunition, guns, and knives during the raid at Michaels’ home.
- Michaels allegedly researched explosives, firearm construction via 3D printing, and mosque entry points.
- His diary was found in a locked drawer in his bedroom and contained detailed plans for weapons, body armour, and attack timelines.
Points of Difference
Details reported by only one source:
- Michaels allegedly consulted manifestos of right-wing mass killers and white supremacists, including references to 'point scoring' from a manifesto.
- Prosecutor Kirsten Nelson stated Michaels had practised picking locks in his bedroom and researched the most advantageous times to attack mosques.
- Michaels allegedly designed a patch for a jacket to wear during the attack and anticipated notoriety from the event.
- Magistrate Belinda Coleman noted Michaels had researched explosives and firearm construction using a 3D computer.
- Michaels allegedly wrote about avoiding ASIO and planned a timeline of actions over multiple years.
- Defence lawyer Christian Porter suggested Michaels may require an assessment for autism spectrum disorder.
- Michaels allegedly planned to join the Army Reserve and sought employment to access bomb-making materials but left empty-handed after one day.
- Magistrate Coleman noted Michaels had reported a threat to his safety in prison but would remain in the special handling unit.
- Michaels was charged with 'using a carriage service to menace, harass, or cause offence' and 'failing to store a firearm in compliant storage'.
- Michaels allegedly wrote about designing and building body armour or an 'Iron Man-style metal suit'.
- He allegedly considered using a van resembling an ambulance for escape and accessed extremist white supremacist ideology described as a manifesto and instruction manual.
- Michaels allegedly wrote: 'I think I’m addicted to the [Watch People Die] website' in his diary.
- The Guardian described Michaels’ diary as containing 'derogatory references to various ethnic groups' and 'chilling material'.
Contradictions
Conflicting information between sources:
- ABC mentions Michaels allegedly sought employment to access bomb-making materials but left empty-handed after one day, while NewsCorp Australia does not mention this detail.
- The Guardian describes Michaels’ diary as containing 'derogatory references to various ethnic groups,' a detail not explicitly mentioned in ABC or NewsCorp Australia.
- NewsCorp Australia states Michaels allegedly practised picking locks in his bedroom, but ABC does not mention this specific detail.
- ABC suggests Michaels may require an autism assessment, a claim not made in NewsCorp Australia or the Guardian.
- The Guardian notes Michaels allegedly wrote about designing an 'Iron Man-style metal suit,' while this detail is not present in ABC or NewsCorp Australia.
Source Articles
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