Prosecution of Liam Alexander Hall

On 4 February 2026, the WA Joint Counter Terrorism Team (JCTT) (comprising the Western Australian Police Force, the Australian Federal Police and the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation) charged Liam Alexander Hall (the defendant) with one charge of committing a terrorist act.

On 27 January 2026, the Western Australian Police had charged the defendant with one charge of committing an unlawful act with intent to harm and one charge of making or possessing explosives under suspicious circumstances. 

The prosecution against the defendant relates to his alleged act of throwing a home-made improvised explosive device into the crowd at an Invasion Day Rally held on 26 January 2026 in the Perth CBD. The JCTT investigation is called Operation Dumfries.

The CDPP recognises the high level of public interest in this matter and will provide regular prosecution updates.

Charges

The defendant is charged with the following three offences:

Offence Provision Description of offence Maximum penalty Date charged
Criminal Code (Cth), s 101.1 Commit terrorist act Life imprisonment 4 February 2026
Criminal Code (WA), s 304(2)(b) Unlawful act or omission with intent to harm (endangering life, health or safety of any person) Imprisonment for 20 years 27 January 2026
Criminal Code (WA), s 557 Making or possessing explosives under suspicious circumstances Imprisonment for 14 years 27 January 2026

Current status

Next listed in the Perth Magistrates Court on 31 March 2026 for further mention of the charges.

For details of past court appearances please see previous court updates.

Role of the CDPP

The CDPP is an independent prosecution service established by Commonwealth Parliament to prosecute alleged offences against Commonwealth law.

Further information about the CDPP and the prosecution process can be accessed on our website.

Victims and Witnesses

The CDPP’s Prosecution Policy and Victims of Crime Policy set out our obligations towards victims of crime which includes keeping them informed of the progress of the prosecution and consulting with them in relation to certain prosecution decisions.

The CDPP’s Witness Assistance Service provides information and support to victims of crime and works closely with prosecutors to help ensure that victims and their families are provided with information and support throughout the prosecution process.

Our Victims and Witnesses website provides further information including the support services available to victims of crime.