Arabic version: جيسون جوزيف مايكلز متهم في مؤامرة إرهابية مزعومة في أستراليا الغربية
Jayson Joseph Michaels, a 20-year-old former student from a Perth Christian school, has been arrested and charged with plotting a “mass casualty” terror attack in Western Australia. According to ABC News, he is the first individual in WA to face such charges.
Michaels attended St Stephen’s School in Carramar but dropped out in year 10 to pursue a TAFE qualification in IT. Following his education, he worked briefly at Bindoon Hill Gravel Supply, where he was described as quiet and introverted by his former boss, Ian Hall. Hall expressed shock upon learning about Michaels’ alleged involvement in a terror plot, noting that he had never displayed any radical views during their interactions.
Authorities allege that Michaels had been radicalized online and had been documenting his plans in a notebook at his family home in Bindoon. The notebook reportedly contained details about intended attacks on significant locations, including the WA Police headquarters and various Muslim places of worship in the Perth metropolitan area.
During a recent raid on Michaels’ home, police seized an extensive arsenal of weapons, including seven firearms, imitation firearms, a ballistic vest, face shields, lock-picking equipment, and a large collection of knives. WA Police Commissioner Col Blanch stated that the investigation revealed a concerning collection of items indicative of Michaels’ intentions.
WA Premier Roger Cook indicated that Michaels’ motivations appear to be linked to white supremacist ideology. The community in Bindoon, known for its family-friendly atmosphere and recent housing developments, expressed surprise at the events surrounding Michaels’ arrest, as many residents were unaware of his alleged radicalization.
