A 16-year-old boy who had been “radicalised online” has been shot dead by police after he stabbed someone and rushed at officers in Perth.
WA Police had been called to the carpark outside Bunnings Willeton on Saturday at about 10pm, where they found the teenager holding the knife.
In a snap press conference on Sunday morning, WA Premier Roger Cook said the 16-year-old Caucasian boy, armed with a knife, stabbed a man in the back.
Police Commissioner Col Blanch said when police arrived on scene, two officers withdrew their Tasers, while a third took out their firearm, confronting the lone teenager.
The boy then rushed officers with the knife, believed to be a 30cm kitchen knife, prompting them to deploy their tasers before the firearm was discharged.
Commissioner Blanch said the boy was known to police, had mental health issues, and appeared to have been radicalised online.
Mr Cook said at this stage, it appeared the boy had acted solely and alone.
“I’ve called a meeting of the multi-faith community leaders, which I will attend later today,” he said.
Anthony Albanese said intelligence and security officers did not believe there was an ongoing threat.
“I have 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,” he said.
“We are a peace-loving nation and there is no place for violent extremism in Australia.”
More to come