Australian National University Alex Ophel stabbing: Two female students, both 20, stabbed in alleged university rampage identified – as image emerges of accused knifeman being taken down by police
The victims of an alleged stabbing at one of Australia’s most prestigious universities have been identified as Ilysha Perry and Isabelle Vasudeva.
Alex Ophel, 24, was arrested by police on Monday afternoon after allegedly stabbing two 20-year-old female students with a knife.
He also allegedly hit two other foreign students over the head with a frying pan during a 30-minute rampage on the Canberra campus.
Ms Perry is a second year ANU student from the southern coastal town of Batemans Bay in NSW. She remains in critical condition in intensive care.
Isabelle Vasudeva is in a stable condition.
Ilysha Perry, a 20-year-old ANU student, is fighting for her life in a critical condition in hospital
Isabelle Vasudeva, another 20-year-old ANU student reportedly stabbed in the attack, is in a stable condition
New photos have emerged of an AFP officer forcing Ophel to the ground before handcuffing him at the ANU’s Fellows Oval.
Ophel has been charged with two counts of attempted murder, two counts of attempted assault and one count of possession of an object capable of killing.
The two foreign students allegedly hit Ophel on the head and face with a frying pan, but they were 24 and 34 years old.
ANU Vice-Chancellor Sally Wheeler praised the bravery of ANU staff and students who kept people out of harm’s way.
“Certain students and staff intervened to distract others from the course this individual was taking on campus,” Professor Wheeler told Nine News on Tuesday evening.
AFP Detective Acting Superintendent Stephanie Leonard said the incident shattered the normally peaceful campus environment.
Photos show the dramatic arrest of 24-year-old Alex Ophel, accused of carrying out stabbings on the ANU campus in Canberra
Former ANU student Alex Ophel has been refused bail and will undergo a mental health assessment
“Clearly any violent crime is concerning,” she said.
“ANU and Canberra are generally very safe places and these types of cases are extremely rare.”
Police previously stated that they had not identified a motive for the attack and believed the victims were not known to Ophel.
Ophel appeared briefly in the ACT Magistrates Court on Tuesday and was denied bail.
He will undergo a psychiatric assessment on October 17.
ANU vice-chancellor Brian Schmidt urged those traumatized by the incident to seek help.
“I understand that this incident may have caused concern among members of our community and I would like to remind you that support is available,” Professor Schmidt said.
AFP officers lead Ophel away after he was arrested at the ANU’s Fellow Oval on Monday afternoon
“In times like these it is vital that we support each other and stay connected as a community,” ANU Vice-Chancellor Professor Brian Schmidt said in a statement.
“I know some members of our community stopped to provide aid to the injured or intervened to direct people away from danger.”
Anyone who witnessed the incident or has footage of the incident and has not yet spoken to police is urged to contact Crime Stoppers.