A ‘radicalized’ 16-year-old boy was shot dead by officers after stabbing a man in the back in the parking lot of a shopping center.
More than 30 police vehicles rushed to the Bunnings car park on High Street in Willetton, south of Perth, about 10pm on Saturday following reports of a stabbing.
There the officers found a 16-year-old boy brandishing a large kitchen knife and a man with serious injuries to his back.
The teenager was shot and killed by police after he “rushed officers who were assisting him.”
‘There are indications [the teenager] “They had become radicalized online,” Western Australian Premier Roger Cook told reporters at a news conference on Sunday morning.
‘Members of WA’s Muslim community who were concerned about his behavior contacted police before the incident and I thank them for their help.
“Our police responded within minutes, they encountered a very confrontational situation, but their quick and professional response kept our community safe.”
A 16-year-old boy was shot dead by police in Perth on Saturday after stabbing a man in the back (pictured, emergency services at the scene)
WA Police Commissioner Colonel Blanch clarified that several concerned community members called triple-0 after the teenager indicated he was going to hurt people.
The teen also called police and told dispatchers he was planning a violent attack, but did not reveal who or where he was.
Officers arrived at the Bunnings car park three minutes after the first triple-0 call.
The injured man, about 30 years old and unknown to the teenager, was taken to hospital in serious but stable condition.
It is understood he was attacked as he left a nearby 24-hour gym.
Two officers armed with Tasers and a third armed with a firearm ordered the teen to drop the kitchen knife.
The 16-year-old lunged at two of the officers, who deployed their Tasers.
However, the teenager was wearing baggy clothing and did not stop.
He was shot when he tried to lunge at the third officer.
Commissioner Blanch said the teenager had been participating in a rehabilitation program for people radicalized online since he was 14 years old.
“We believe he was largely acting alone. We don’t believe there was a network involved,” he said.
Commissioner Blanch did not want to declare the stabbing as terrorism.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese issued a statement about the incident on Sunday morning.
“My thoughts are with those who have been affected by the incident that occurred overnight in the Perth suburb of Willetton,” he said.
“I have spoken to WA Premier Roger Cook this morning and thank WA Police for acting quickly to contain the incident.”
More than 30 police vehicles were called to the Bunnings car park (pictured) on High Street in Willetton, south of Perth, around 10pm on Saturday following reports of a stabbing.
More to come.