Sydney killing, stabbing 'not terrorism'

People walk past security officers standing around a barricaded area following reports of a...
People walk past security officers standing around a barricaded area following reports of a stabbing incident in Sydney. Photo: Twitter @THEBORINGGIT via REUTERS
Authorities believe a 21-year-old man who went on a stabbing rampage in Sydney's CBD earlier killed a woman in a nearby apartment but they say the attack wasn't a terrorist incident.

The Marayong man was arrested on Tuesday after he allegedly stabbed a 41-year-old at the Hotel CBD about 2pm and then tried to stab countless others as he wandered the streets.

Police subsequently discovered the body of a 21-year-old woman at a Clarence Street apartment.

"All the evidence we have at hand would link these two crimes," NSW Police Commissioner Mick Fuller told reporters.

Video footage shows the man, who was armed with a large butchers knife, yelling "Allahu Akbar" on Sydney's streets.

 

But Mr Fuller says Tuesday's rampage is "not currently classed as a terrorist incident" by authorities and the "lone actor" had no links to terrorist organisations.

He did, however, have "some ideologies in relation to terrorism", the commissioner said.

"There was certainly information found on him about other crimes of mass casualties and mass deaths around the world," Mr Fuller said, adding the material was found on a USB drive.

The man, who's under police guard in hospital, had a history of mental health issues.

Initial reports came through to police about 2pm that a man armed with a knife and wearing a balaclava was on King Street.

What followed was six minutes of "terrifying carnage", Mr Fuller said.

The 41-year-old woman was stabbed in the back in a random attack, detectives say. She's in a stable condition in hospital.

Three members of the public who detained the attacker were "highest order heroes", the commissioner concluded.

He said while police weren't looking for any other offenders they couldn't discount coming across other crime scenes as the investigation continues.

 

 

Add a Comment

Our journalists are your neighbours

We are the South's eyes and ears in crucial council meetings, at court hearings, on the sidelines of sporting events and on the frontline of breaking news.

As our region faces uncharted waters in the wake of a global pandemic, Otago Daily Times continues to bring you local stories that matter.

We employ local journalists and photographers to tell your stories, as other outlets cut local coverage in favour of stories told out of Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch.

You can help us continue to bring you local news you can trust by becoming a supporter.

Become a Supporter