Teen in ‘deradicalisation program’ shot dead

A teenager who had been “radicalised online” has been shot dead by police after he stabbed someone in the back and rushed at officers in Perth.

But despite the incident having the “hallmarks” of a terrorist incident, authorities have not yet declared it as one.

WA Police were called to the carpark outside Bunnings Willetton on Saturday night, where they found a 16-year-old Caucasian boy, armed with a kitchen knife.

He had called police at 10.10pm without identifying himself to say he was “going to commit acts of violence” before hanging up the phone.

Police said the teen was among “three of four” participants of an official deradicalisation program since 2022.

Police Commissioner Col Blanch said when police arrived on scene minutes later, two officers withdrew their tasers, while a third took out their firearm as they asked him to put his weapon down.

“They challenged the male to put down the knife, which he did not comply,” he said.

He rushed officers with the weapon prompting them to deploy their tasers before third officer discharged a single shot.

A man– aged in his 30s – was located close by with a stab wound. It is understood he had been leaving a 24-hour gym in the complex.

He was treated at the scene by St John Ambulance WA and transported to Royal Perth Hospital where he remains in a serious but stable condition.

Commissioner Blanch said the boy was known to police, had mental health issues, and appeared to have been radicalised online.

“Members of the WA Muslim community contacted police, also calling triple-0, just prior to the incident with their concerns,” he said.

“I do want to thank members of the Muslim community who did that because that enabled us to identify rapidly who this individual was and respond as quick as we did,” he said.

The Imam of Perth’s largest mosque, the Nasir Mosque, Imam Syed Wadood Janud condemned the attack in the strongest terms.

“The whole community is shook, and we are all concerned regarding the perpetrators’ online radicalisation that early reports are hinting towards,” he said.

“There is no place for violence in Islam. We appreciate the effort of the police to keep our communities safe. I also want to commend the local Muslim community who had flagged the individual prior with the police.”

The teen had reportedly converted to Islam.

Commissioner Blanch said the incident had the “hallmarks” of a terrorist incident, but would not label it as such “at this stage”.

“I believe this is a person acting alone. I don’t need additional capability at this time whilst it meets the criteria, or at least the definition,” Commissioner Blanch said.

“It would be too early for me to act now, because I don’t have the concerns of a broader network that might be involved at this stage.”
WA Premier Roger Cook said there were indications the boy had been radicalised online.

The 16-year-old boy had previously been involved in a countering violent extremism program since 2022, with support from psychologists and faith leaders.

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,” the Prime Minister said.

“We are a peace-loving nation and there is no place for violent extremism in Australia.”