A 16-year-old armed with knife has been shot dead Perth by Western Australia Police officers.
WA Police was called to Willetton in Perth’s south on Saturday night, just after 10pm, with reports a man had been stabbed in the car park of a Bunnings hardware store.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese extended his thoughts to the people impacted by the incident in Willetton.
“I have spoken with WA Premier Roger Cook this morning, and I thank the WA Police for acting swiftly to contain the incident. I have also received a briefing on the situation by the ASIO Director-General and the AFP Commissioner, and I’m advised there is no ongoing threat to the community on the information available.”
WA Police Commissioner Col Blanch told media that officers were confronted with a 16-year-old boy wielding a large kitchen knife when they arrived on the scene.
A man aged in his 30s was stabbed in the back and is in hospital in a serious but stable condition.
Commissioner Blanch added that the teen rushed at an officer holding a Taser, prompting two police to deploy their Tasers but that did not have the “desired effect.”
“They [WA police] exited their vehicle and were confronted with a male alone with a large kitchen knife. Two officers drew their tasers and one of the officers drew his firearm. They challenged the male to put down the knife, which he did not.”
The teenager then moved towards a third officer, who fired a single shot. WA Police officers rushed the teenager to hospital where he died.
WA Premier Roger Cook said there were indications the boy had been radicalised online.
“But I want to reassure the community at this stage it appears that he acted solely and alone. Members of the WA Muslim community, who were concerned by his behaviour, contacted police prior to the incident and I thank them for their help.”
Mr Cook has also called a meeting of the multi-faith community leaders.
Commissioner Blanch said the incident although has “the hallmarks” of a terrorist attack but is not being labelled one at this stage.
It is reported that the teenager was a Caucasian male who had converted to Islam. He had called WA Police and told them he was going to commit acts of violence.
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