A 16-year-old boy undergoing a deradicalisation program was shot dead by police in Perth after he stabbed a man and threatened further violence. The incident raises questions about radicalisation, mental health, and community safety.
On May 6, 2024, in Perth, Australia, a 16-year-old boy who was involved in a deradicalisation program was fatally shot by police in a Bunnings car park after he stabbed a man in his 30s and threatened violent actions. The teenager had previously warned emergency services about his violent intentions. Despite police efforts to neutralise him using Tasers, the boy, armed with a knife, continued to approach officers, leading to the shooting.
The injured man is now in stable condition. The incident has been described by police as one with an unclear motive, although the teenage assailant had been part of a countering violent extremism program since the age of 13. He had purportedly sent messages about being on the path of jihad. Additionally, it has been highlighted that he was not associated with any local mosques and had been dealing with mental health issues.
Authorities, including Western Australia police and the Prime Minister, have pointed out the broader challenges of online radicalisation, with precautions about the influence of social media preaching extreme ideologies. While the local community leaders expressed concerns about potential Islamophobia, they affirmed that such violent acts do not reflect the values of Islam. In response to the incident and broader concerns, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese reassured the public about the absence of any ongoing threats and reiterated Australia’s stance against violent extremism.
This case, according to the police and government officials, appears to be an isolated event, distinct from other recent incidents involving youth radicalisation in Sydney. However, the complexity of managing mental health issues and deradicalisation continues to be a topic of discussion among authorities and communities.
