In brief
A 22‑year‑old WA resident was charged on Friday, Oct. 30, 2026, by the WA Joint Counter Terrorism Team with planning a terrorist attack, extending nine earlier offences. The team said he was initially arrested in December 2025 and sought help on messaging platforms related to explosives, tactical training and weapons manufacture. The Australian Federal Police also reported his court appearance on Facebook; only Xinhua detailed the messaging‑platform claims.
A 22‑year‑old man from Western Australia has been charged with preparing a terrorist attack, authorities announced on Friday, Oct. 30, 2026, in a statement issued by the WA Joint Counter Terrorism Team (JCTT).
According to the JCTT, the suspect was first arrested in December 2025 and was initially charged with nine offences. A further charge was added for “other acts done in preparation for, or planning, terrorist acts.”
In a statement, the JCTT said investigators believe the man “sought assistance on messaging platforms relating to explosive devices, military and tactical training, weapons manufacturing, combat techniques and fake documents” as part of his purported planning."
The JCTT, comprising officers from the state police, the Australian Federal Police and the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation, stated that investigations remain ongoing.
Under Australian law, if convicted, the suspect faces life imprisonment.
On Facebook, the West Australian posted that the suspect, named Lucas Shawn Cameron, appeared before the Perth Magistrates Court on Friday after the Australian Federal Police charged him with preparing a terrorist attack.
Only Xinhua reported the detail that the suspect sought help on messaging platforms; the Facebook post mentioned the court appearance but did not include that information.
Both sources confirm the charge of planning a terrorist attack, the suspect’s age, and the fact that the case is under the jurisdiction of the WA Joint Counter Terrorism Team.
Key facts: • 22‑year‑old WA resident charged.
• Initial arrest December 2025, nine offences.
• Additional charge for planning terrorist act.
• Suspected use of messaging platforms for explosives, training and weapons.
• Potential punishment: life imprisonment.
• Investigations ongoing by JCTT and AFP.>
