Tony Abbott Defends Killing ‘Terror Suspect’ in Melbourne

Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott defended killing a Melbourne terror suspect.

Abbott delivered a video message which had been recorded in Hawaii as the Aussie PM was on his way for the UN Security Council meeting in New York. The video message was published on YouTube on Wednesday. Abbott gave details about what happened in the Melbourne operation which resulted in killing an 18-year-old man suspected for terror-related activities. The teenager stabbed a police officer before he had been shot dead, The Sydney Morning Herald reported. The suspect, identified as Numan Haider, was allegedly a "known terror suspect," according to Federal Justice Minister Michael Keenan.

Abbott said that the suspect attacked fiercely a couple of officers. An AFP and Victoria Police officer was "seriously" wounded. The other police officer shot the suspect who later died. Abbott spoke to the wives of the officers concerned to extend the support of the Australian government. He said that the incident was evidence that Australian community consisted of such people who were "capable of very extreme acts." At the same time, he said that police were constantly vigilantly to protect Australia from people who would try to do harm to the country. The 18-year-old suspect allegedly stabbed the officers in an "unprovoked attack" after he had been asked to go to the Endeavour Hills police station for interrogation.

Haider's Facebook profile contained his images as he held an Islamic flag. There were abusive posts against the ASIO and the AFP, 9News reported. He referred to the ASIO and the AFP representatives as "dogs" who had declared war against Muslims and Islam. When he attacked the police officers, he managed to slash the wrists of the Victoria Police officer. He also stabbed the head, stomach and neck of the AFP officer who was taken to The Alfred Hospital. The Victoria Police officer was rushed to Dandenong Hospital. He is expected to be operated later today, Sept 24. Both of them are reported to be in a critical but stable medical condition.

Keenan earlier gave a statement that the suspect had been shot by the officer in self-defence. Calling it a "horrible incident," he said that it would be important to "remain calm" and continue the regular course of life. "The police are our front line against people who wish to do us harm and it is exactly this type of bravery and dedication shown by these officers that will continue to keep our communities safe and secure," he said.

Contact the writer: s.mukhopadhyay@ibtimes.com.au