A teenager who was shot dead by police officers after stabbing a man in the back with a large kitchen knife had a long, dark descent into Islamic radicalization.
The 16-year-old died in hospital shortly after being shot while charging at three police officers in a Bunnings car park in Willetton, south of Perth, at 10pm on Saturday.
A man, aged in his 30s, was stabbed before being rushed to hospital in a serious but stable condition.
Western Australian Police revealed at a news conference on Sunday that the teenager had been part of a deradicalization program since he was 14 years old.
More details about the teenager’s story emerged on Monday, including revelations that he attended the highly regarded Rossmoyne Senior High School.
A teenager who was shot dead by police on Saturday went from playing with construction toys as a child (pictured) to “indoctrinating” high school students after being affected by Islamic radicalization.
Officers tried to Taser the boy before shooting him on Saturday (pictured, officers at the scene)
It is understood he was part of a group that attempted to “indoctrinate” other students and some parents raised concerns with the school. Western Australia reported.
His final messages reportedly revealed that the boy had told his friends that he was going “down the path of jihad” before carrying out the knife attack.
The dark story seems worlds away from the innocent childhood photos that have surfaced on social media showing the boy playing with a toy.
Officers initially attempted to Taser the teen after he attacked two officers on Saturday.
However, the Taser did not have the desired effect and he charged a third officer, who fatally shot him.
Rossmoyne Senior High School for Boys is known in Perth for producing high academic results.
Parents at the school made complaints to Education Minister Tony Buti and the Australian Federal Police over concerns about the group of “radical” teenagers.
“Correspondence was recently received regarding a student at a public secondary school,” a WA Government spokesperson said.
‘As appropriate, this correspondence has been forwarded to the Department of Education.’
Concerned parents claimed the 16-year-old boy could be linked to a school toilet block which was damaged last year.
They also claimed that another boy in the group had threatened to hurt attendees at an upcoming graduation.
Posts shared online by the boy’s mother showed that he had a happy childhood.
The teenager had stabbed a stranger in the back before attacking three officers (in the photo, a blood stain left at the scene)
He liked to play with Meccano, a Lego-like construction toy, and make his mother laugh with jokes about his homework.
When he turned 14 in 2022, his personality changed as he was influenced by Islamic radicalization.
That same year, police ordered him to participate in a deradicalization group.
“(The programs) face a really serious challenge in changing someone who has been radicalized and trying to get them back on a more reasonable path,” WA Police Minister Paul Papalia said.
‘It’s a good program in that sense, because without it, there is no answer to that kind of thing.
‘But to be part of this, you’re not necessarily a criminal. He has not necessarily participated in any criminal activity. So that’s something you have to understand.’
The final message sent by the teenager has also been revealed, with the boy reportedly saying he was going “on the path of jihad.”
The 16-year-old sent the message to several people on social media, and several members of Perth’s concerned Islamic community alerted police to the boy’s messages.
“Brothers, please forgive me for any time I have wronged you. Tonight I will follow the path of jihad in the cause of Allah,” wrote the boy, who had supposedly converted to Islam.
“I am a soldier of the Al-Qaeda mujahideen and I take responsibility for the actions that… will take place tonight.”
He also warned his contacts to “delete” incriminating evidence from devices such as laptops and phones.
Parents at a prestigious Perth secondary school claimed the boy was part of a radical group that attempted to ‘indoctrinate’ other students (pictured, officers at the scene)
“If you have illegal or jihadi stuff online or in real life, make sure you hide it well and clean your technology, such as laptops and phones, including search history… as the police will probably investigate my contacts,” he wrote.
Rossmoyne headteacher Alan Brown sent an email to parents on Sunday afternoon offering support and advice.
‘Young people may want to meet in groups or turn to social media for support and express their feelings. While this can be helpful, be aware of potential misinformation or inappropriate comments,” she said.
“If you are aware of such gatherings, it is important to ensure that responsible adults are present and you may wish to accompany your child.”
WA Police Commissioner Colonel Blanch said the deceased teenager was known to police for “mental health issues and radicalization issues” since he was 14 years old.
He confirmed that the teen’s family is working with police.
“I think whoever was there that night is a very challenging individual and I think the family really understands the situation that the police were in,” he said.
“They are being very communicative with the police.”