A teenage boy shot dead by police officers after stabbing a man in the back with a large kitchen knife had a long, dark descent into Islamic radicalization.
The 16-year-old died in hospital shortly after he was shot while attacking three police officers in a Bunnings car park in Willetton, south Perth, at 10pm on Saturday.
A man in his 30s was stabbed before being rushed to hospital in a serious but stable condition.
Western Australia police revealed at a press conference on Sunday that the teenager had been part of a deradicalisation program since he was 14.
Further details emerged on Monday about the teenager’s history, including revelations that he attended the respected Rossmoyne Senior High School.
A teenager shot dead by police on Saturday went from playing with construction toys as a child (pictured) to ‘indoctrinating’ high school students after being affected by Islamic radicalization
Officers tried to taser the boy before shooting him on Saturday (photo, officers on scene)
It is believed he was part of a group trying to ‘indoctrinate’ other pupils, with some parents raising their concerns with the school. The Western Australia reported.
His last messages reportedly show that the boy had told his friends he was going ‘on the path of jihad’ before carrying out the knife attack.
The dark history seems a far cry from the innocent childhood photos that have appeared on social media showing the boy playing with toys.
Officers initially tried to taser the teen after he attacked two officers on Saturday.
However, the Taser did not produce the desired effect and he attacked a third officer, who fatally shot him.
The boy’s high school Rossmoyne Senior High School is known in Perth for producing high academic results.
Parents at the school made complaints to Education Minister Tony Buti and the Australian Federal Police over concerns about the ‘radical’ teenage group.
“Correspondence was recently received regarding a student from a public secondary school,” a WA government spokesperson said.
‘Where appropriate, this correspondence was referred to the Ministry of Education.’
Concerned parents claimed the 16-year-old boy could be linked to a school toilet block that was damaged last year.
They also alleged that another boy from the group had threatened to hurt attendees at an upcoming graduation ceremony.
Posts shared online by the boy’s mother showed that he had a happy childhood.
The teen stabbed a stranger in the back before attacking three officers (photo, blood stain left at the crime scene)
He enjoyed playing with Meccano, a building toy that looked like Lego, and making his mother laugh with jokes about his homework.
By the time he turned fourteen in 2022, his personality changed under the influence of Islamic radicalization.
In the same year, he was instructed by the police to participate in a deradicalization group.
“(Programs) are facing a really serious challenge in trying to change someone who has been radicalized and trying to get them back onto a more reasonable path,” WA Police Minister Paul Papalia said.
‘It’s a good program in that respect, because if it’s not there, there’s no reaction to things like that.
‘But even to be part of it, you are not necessarily a criminal. You are not necessarily involved in any criminal activity. So that’s something to understand.”
The teenager’s last message has also been revealed, with the boy reportedly saying he was walking ‘the path of jihad’.
The 16-year-old sent the message to several people on social media, with several members of Perth’s concerned Muslim community alerting police to the boy’s messages.
“Brethren, please forgive me for every time I have wronged you. I am going on the path of jihad tonight for the sake of Allah,” wrote the boy, who had reportedly converted to Islam.
“I am a soldier of the mujahideen of Al-Qaeda and I take responsibility for the actions that… will take place tonight.”
He also warned his contacts to “erase” incriminating evidence from devices such as laptops and phones.
Parents at an esteemed Perth high school claimed the boy was part of a radical group trying to ‘indoctrinate’ other students (pictured, officers on scene)
“If you have any illegal or jihadist stuff online or in real life, make sure you hide it well and clear your technology like laptops and phones, including search history… as the police will likely be looking at my contacts,” he wrote .
Rossmoyne principal Alan Brown sent an email to parents on Sunday afternoon with support and advice.
‘Young people may want to get together in groups or use social media for support and to express their feelings. While this can be helpful, be aware of possible misinformation or inappropriate comments,” he said.
‘If you are aware of such gatherings, it is important to ensure that responsible adults are present, and you may wish to accompany your child.’
WA Police Commissioner Col Blanch said the deceased teenager had been known to police since he was 14 for “mental health and radicalization issues”.
He confirmed that the teen’s family is cooperating with police.
“I think this is a very disabled person who was there that night and I think the family really understands the situation that the police found themselves in,” he said.
“They’re very helpful to the police.”