Two men arrested over alleged threats against WA Premier Mark McGowan and family

Two men have been charged over two separate incidents in which they allegedly threatened the Premier and his family last month. Detectives from the state security investigation group charged a 58-year-old man from Melville after he allegedly left a suspicious package in Premier Mark McGowan’s Rockingham electoral office on February 8. Police say a threatening letter was also left inside the package, along with a white powdery substance which prompted emergency services to evacuate the office and cordon off the building. Chemical experts, wearing full-PPE, examined the powder on the day of the attack where it was determined not to be a hazardous substance. After an extensive investigation, detectives arrested and charged the Melville man over the incident on March 16. He was charged with making a statement or act creating false apprehension as to the existence of threat or danger. The 58-was granted bail and is expected to appear before the Rockingham Magistrates Court on April 7. Detectives from state security also arrested and charged a second man in relation to a separate incident where the Premier and his family received death threats. It will be alleged a 52-year-old man from Mahomets Flats in Geraldton made multiple safety threats against Mr McGowan and his wife over the phone and online on February 28. Detectives executed a search warrant at the man’s home and several items were seized. The 52-year-old was charged with multiple offences, including threats to unlawfully do an act and possession of a prohibited drug. He is expected to appear before the Geraldton Magistrates Court on April 14.