The Afghan-born man who allegedly rammed his car into a crowd of people Thursday in Melbourne, Australia said the attack was in response to the country’s “mistreatment of Muslims.”
Eighteen victims were injured, three of them critically. Police originally said the suspect had mental health issues and no known links to terrorism, and they are still trying to figure out how the attack should be labeled.
“He has said that he attributes his actions to the perceived mistreatment of Muslims,” Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull said Friday. “At this stage … apart from that statement, there are no known links to any political issues or any links to extremist groups.”
The man came to Australia in 2004 as part of the country’s refugee program. He became an Australian citizen two years ago.
Australia’s refugee program has been criticized by the Turnbull government and the labelling of the attack could reignite the debate further.
Shane Patton, the regional acting chief commissioner, said police don’t have enough evidence to name it an act of terrorism.
“I don’t have an issue with saying this is an act of terrorism if we establish that it is,” Patton said, according to The Washington Post. “It would be easier to come out and say that straight up. But that’s not the case at this stage. We don’t have sufficient [evidence] to justify that.”
WATCH:
The Daily Caller News Foundation is working hard to balance out the biased American media. For as little as $3, you can help us. Freedom of speech isn’t free. Make a one-time donation to support the quality, independent journalism of TheDCNF. We’re not dependent on commercial or political support and we do not accept any government funding.
All content created by the Daily Caller News Foundation, an independent and nonpartisan newswire service, is available without charge to any legitimate news publisher that can provide a large audience. All republished articles must include our logo, our reporter’s byline and their DCNF affiliation. For any questions about our guidelines or partnering with us, please contact licensing@dailycallernewsfoundation.org.