A 16-year-old boy has been fatally shot by police in Perth, Western Australia, following an altercation where he stabbed a man in the back with a kitchen knife.
The teenager was taken to the hospital but succumbed to his injuries. The victim, who was not acquainted with him, is reportedly in a serious but stable condition.
Authorities stated that there were indications the boy had been influenced by radical online content.
Western Australia Premier Roger Cook remarked, “At this stage it appears that he acted solely and alone.”
According to Western Australia police, they received a call late on Saturday from the teenager, who informed them of his intention to commit “acts of violence.”
Shortly after, another emergency call reported a “male with a knife running around the car park” in Willetton, a suburb in Perth.
Upon arrival, three officers encountered the armed 16-year-old wielding a long kitchen knife.
After attempting to subdue him with Tasers, and with the teenager continuing to advance, the third officer discharged a single shot, resulting in the boy’s death, stated Commissioner Col Branch.
The teenager was described as having “complex issues” and had been engaged in an anti-radicalization program for several years, aimed at combating extremist ideologies.
While Commissioner Blanch noted the incident displayed “hallmarks” of terrorism, he refrained from categorizing it as a terrorist attack at this juncture.
He also acknowledged members of the Muslim community who raised concerns about the teenager’s behavior before the incident and alerted the authorities.
Source-BBC
