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As Victoria Police raid properties in Melbourne’s north and west following yesterday’s terrorism attack, the identity of the man who carried out the fatal stabbing in Bourke Street has been confirmed as Hassan Khalif Shire Ali.
Key points:
- Three people were stabbed in the attack; one died on the scene and two are in hospital
- Properties in Werribee and Meadows Heights have been raided by police
- Authorities said there would be an increased police presence around the Melbourne CBD
The Somali-born man, aged in his early 30s, crashed his car loaded with gas bottles in the Melbourne CBD and stabbed three people before he was shot by police and died in hospital.
The ABC understands he is also known as Hassan Ali and Hassan Khalif, and recently moved from his family’s Werribee home because of problems with substance abuse.
His family is well-known and respected within the Somali community in the region, and attended the Virgin Mary Mosque in Hoppers Crossing.
It is believed Shire Ali most commonly attended prayer in Melbourne’s northern suburbs.
Shire Ali is understood to have previously been investigated for his association with others linked to terrorism.
Police also said in a statement that investigators were “executing search warrants at two addresses in Werribee and Meadows Heights”.
Chief Commissioner Graham Ashton last night confirmed Shire Ali died in hospital, and that he was known to intelligence authorities.
One man, who is yet to be formally identified, died at the scene after the stabbing.
A 26-year-old man is in a stable condition in the Royal Melbourne Hospital, while a 58-year-old also remains in hospital with non-life threatening injuries.
Authorities said there would be an increased police presence around the Melbourne CBD and at major events in the coming days so the public could feel comfortable going about their business, but they did not believe there was an ongoing threat.
Islamic State claimed responsibility for Friday’s attack, but that could not be substantiated and police have not commented on it yet.
Police courage praised
Police are treating the attack as terror-related at this stage, and counter-terrorism investigations are continuing into Shire Ali’s background.
Mr Ashton said he believed the suspect moved to Australia from Somalia in 1990s, and that his family members have been known to police on terrorism-related matters.
Mr Ashton said the Myer department store’s Christmas windows opened last night and other key events were being held this weekend, and he said there was “no ongoing threat at the moment”.
“We have a number of events going on in Melbourne, Stakes day at Flemington, soccer at AAMI Stadium and also Remembrance Day so we are doing security reassessments in light of those events.
“At this stage we are encouraging people to go to those events and there will be additional police over the weekend.”
Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews strongly condemned yesterday’s attack and thanked police as well as bystanders who courageously stepped in to try to help.
“This is an evil and terrifying thing that has happened in our city and state today and we condemn it,” the Premier said.
“Victorians can be assured that every member of Victoria Police … are equal to the task and will do everything they can in any circumstance to keep Victorians safe.”
Victoria’s Opposition Leader Matthew Guy also denounced the attack.
“I’ll never accept that violent extremism should be a way of life for a big city like Melbourne,” he said.
“All the resources of our state should be directed towards keeping Victorians safe. Victorians would say we do not have to live like this.”
In a statement, Prime Minister Scott Morrison said he condemned the act of terrorism in Melbourne, describing it as an “evil and cowardly attack”.
He said he had been briefed by law enforcement and security agencies and acknowledged the investigation by the Joint Counter Terrorism Team, led by Victoria Police.
“Australians will never be intimidated by these appalling attacks and we will continue to go about our lives and enjoy the freedoms that the terrorists detest,” he said.
‘Don’t let fear dictate’
If you or anyone you know needs help:
- Lifeline 13 11 14
- GriefLine 1300 845 745
- BeyondBlue 1300 224 636
Road blocks in the area are expected to remain in place until at least mid-morning and members of the public are asked to avoid the area on Bourke Street between Russell and Swanston Streets.
Police have asked the public to submit any images or video footage of the attack to help them with their investigation.
Authorities said it was normal for people to have strong emotional or physical reactions after such a distressing or frightening event, and people should seek help from their doctor or by calling a helpline if they needed support.
Melbourne’s Lord Mayor Sally Capp sought to reassure the public and praised the police for their swift response.
“Melburnians should feel reassured of the swift reaction from our police and emergency services who were so quickly, effectively and bravely at the scene dealing with the situation and minimising harm to the public,” she said.
“I hope that we can pull together as a community to really support each other.”
Trauma specialist Rob Gordon urged the Melbourne community to learn from the incident and be aware of dangers, but to also not let fear dictate.
“We need to understand and become familiar with risks and hazards,” Dr Gordon said.
“Unfortunately the present time has got hazards of this sort where people take in to their minds to attack innocent people.
“It’s very important to recognise that we live with all sorts of hazards but we do it successfully by being aware and understanding and careful.
“Fear doesn’t help you get more prepared — it makes you jump at shadows and then you tend to get overwhelmed or exhausted and then you shut off.”
Topics:
emergency-incidents,
police,
terrorism,
grief,
psychology,
melbourne-3000,
vic
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