SUSPECT IN CAR RAMMING ‘SPOKE ABOUT VOICES’
The suspect who plowed a vehicle into a crowd of pedestrians in Australia on Thursday made some utterances to investigators while in the hospital after being detained, authorities said.
“He spoke about dreams. He spoke about voices. But he also did attribute some of his actions to the poor treatment of Muslims,” Victoria Deputy Commissioner Shane Patton said on 9News’ “Today” show yesterday.
The suspect’s name has not been released, but he has been identified as a 32-year-old male who is Australian of Afghan descent. He was arrested on the scene and was injured in the ramming. Police said 19 people were injured in the ramming, including the perpetrator and an off-duty Police officer. When asked if there is a link to terrorism, Deputy Commissioner Patton told 9News: “That’s certainly what — one aspect we’re exploring in respect to the motivation.” The suspect had a mental health appointment scheduled for Thursday before the ramming, but he missed the appointment, Deputy Commissioner Patton said, adding that the suspect still needs to undergo a psychiatric assessment and be formally interviewed.
Police earlier said that the suspect, who was driving a white Suzuki SUV that was used in the ramming, has a history of drug abuse and mental health issues. Authorities said the ramming, which occurred just after 4:30pm local time, was a “deliberate act” but repeatedly said they do not yet know the motivation.