In Perth, Western Australia, police fatally shot a 16-year-old boy who had wounded a member of the public. The teenager was reportedly radicalized and armed with a knife.
Premier Roger Cook stated that the teenager, who had wounded someone, rushed at the police and was subsequently shot and killed by an officer.
“There are indications he had been radicalised online. But I want to reassure the community at this stage it appears he acted solely and alone.”
Late on Saturday, police received a call from an unidentified male who warned of his intention to commit ‘acts of violence,’ but he did not provide his name or location. State Police Commissioner Col Blanch conveyed this information to reporters.
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Shortly after, another urgent call reached the police, reporting a man wielding a knife and darting through the car park in Willetton, a suburb to the south of Perth.
The police chief reported that the teenager did not comply with the officers’ instructions to drop the knife, as captured by the body cameras.
🚨🇦🇺BOY SHOT DEAD AFTER KNIFE ATTACK IN AUSTRALIA
Police in Perth shot the 16-year-old after he stabbed a man in an attack they described as having the “hallmarks” of terrorism.
They were alerted by members of the local Muslim community before the attack took place and said… pic.twitter.com/QR8thV4hpi
— Mario Nawfal (@MarioNawfal) May 5, 2024
Officers fired two Tasers at him but “both of them did not have the full desired effect,” he said.
“The male continued to advance on the third officer with a firearm who fired a single shot and fatally wounded the male.”
The teenager passed away in the hospital later that night, according to his statement.
The Australian Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese, has been closely monitoring the situation in Perth. After speaking with Western Australian Premier Roger Cook and receiving briefings from police and the Australian intelligence agency ASIO, he expressed his thoughts and condolences for those affected by the tragic incident.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has released a statement this morning after a "radicalised" 16-year-old boy was shot dead by police following a stabbing attack in a Perth car park overnight. #9News
MORE: https://t.co/9RsrDIkT5o pic.twitter.com/IpH5vrUiNg
— 9News Australia (@9NewsAUS) May 5, 2024
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