Liam Alexander Hall, a 32-year-old Perth man, has been charged with allegedly attempting to carry out a terrorist attack during an Invasion Day rally in Perth on 26 January 2026. Hall is accused of throwing a homemade bomb from a first-floor walkway onto a crowd of approximately 2,500 people gathered in the city's central business district.
Legal Proceedings and Mental Health Defence
During a recent court appearance, Hall's lawyer, Simon Freitag, indicated that the defence team plans to enter a plea of not guilty by insanity. The case was adjourned until May after Hall did not appear via video link from the Frankland Centre, Western Australia's most secure psychiatric facility where he is currently undergoing treatment.
Section 27 Defence Strategy
Freitag informed the court that they have identified a psychiatrist to prepare a report under Section 27 of the Criminal Code Act. This legal provision provides a defence of insanity that absolves a person of criminal responsibility if a mental disease or illness has rendered them incapable of understanding their actions, controlling their behaviour, or knowing they should not commit the act.
"We have identified a practitioner who can do a report on Mr Hall in terms of a section 27 defence," Freitag stated during the proceedings. An independent assessment is required because such a report cannot be completed by the accused's treating psychiatrist.
Details of the Alleged Attack
Hall faces multiple charges including engaging in a terrorist act, making or possessing explosives under suspicious circumstances, and one count of intent to harm or doing an act which could endanger life, health or safety. The device he allegedly threw was described as a homemade "fragment bomb" filled with ball bearings and nails, designed to explode on impact.
Fortunately, the bomb failed to detonate, preventing what could have been a catastrophic incident during the Invasion Day rally. The court heard there has been some improvement in Hall's condition since his arrest and detention.
Treatment at Controversial Facility
Hall remains remanded at the Frankland Centre at Graylands hospital in Perth's western suburbs until 27 May. This facility houses mentally unwell prisoners and those facing criminal charges, but has faced significant criticism from mental health advocates in the past for what they describe as "inhumane" conditions.
The centre is currently undergoing a substantial $219 million redevelopment project aimed at improving conditions and facilities. The case is expected to progress to Perth's Supreme Court following further psychiatric assessment and legal preparation.
Broader Context and Support Services
The incident occurred during an Invasion Day rally, an event that has become increasingly significant in Australia's national conversation about Indigenous rights and colonial history. The case highlights complex intersections between mental health treatment, criminal justice, and national security concerns.
For those affected by mental health issues or seeking support, several services are available including Lifeline on 13 11 14, Mensline on 1300 789 978, Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636, and for Indigenous Australians, 13YARN on 13 92 76 provides culturally appropriate crisis support.
