Perth Teenager Shot Dead by Police After Alleged Terrorist Attack

Western Australian police have confirmed the fatal shooting of a 16-year-old teenager in Perth following an alleged terrorist attack in the suburb of Willetton. The incident, which occurred on Saturday night, left the community in shock and raised concerns about online radicalization.

Col Blanch, the WA police commissioner, revealed that the teen, who was believed to have acted alone, was shot after allegedly attacking a man in a Bunnings car park. Premier Roger Cook stated that early indications suggested the teenager had been radicalized online, emphasizing the need for vigilance against extremist influences.

Authorities reported that the victim of the stabbing, a man in his 30s, was in serious but stable condition in a hospital. Blanch, while noting the incident’s resemblance to terrorism, refrained from officially labeling it as such, pending further investigation into potential wider networks.

Anne Aly, the former CVE program architect and current federal youth minister, expressed her condolences and highlighted the significance of de-radicalization efforts in community safety. The incident prompted Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to pledge support for those affected and reiterate Australia’s stance against violent extremism.

Imam Wadood Janud of the Ahmadiyya Muslim community in Perth condemned the attack, emphasizing that Islam denounces violence. Adelaide-based Imam Kamran Tahir also condemned the incident, stressing that such actions have no place in the Islamic faith.