UPDATE: A 21-year-old Perth man, Lucas Shawn Cameron, has been charged with four additional terrorism offences amid an ongoing investigation into his alleged links to Islamic extremism. This urgent development comes as part of a broader operation involving the Australian Federal Police (AFP), ASIO, and local law enforcement.
Cameron was initially arrested on December 4 and faced five charges. Authorities report that further examination of his electronic devices uncovered more extremist material, prompting the new charges. Among them, Cameron is accused of two counts of collecting documents related to a terrorist act and possessing violent extremist material via a carriage service.
The investigation escalated after officers executed a search warrant at a property in Westminster, where they seized two computers and a mobile phone allegedly linked to Cameron. Officials revealed that one device contained violent extremist material.
A spokesperson for the AFP stated, “Police will also allege the man used one of the devices to send messages on a messaging platform seeking assistance with explosive devices, military and tactical training, and weapons manufacturing.”
Cameron is also facing serious allegations of breaching bail conditions after police discovered he contacted a woman he was ordered to avoid. In October, he was charged with assaulting and threatening to kill her.
This alarming case unfolds as law enforcement across Australia remains on high alert following the Bondi Beach massacre, which tragically claimed the lives of 15 individuals during a shooting at a Jewish Hanukkah festival. Authorities stress that there is no indication that Cameron is connected to this recent tragedy, but the heightened concern for extremist activities continues.
Cameron is scheduled to appear in Perth Magistrates Court on Friday for a bail application. The situation is developing, and more information is expected to emerge as the investigation continues.
Stay tuned for further updates on this critical situation as authorities work diligently to address potential threats to public safety.
