A Perth man who was stabbed in the back by a radicalised teenager who was then shot dead by police on Saturday night has spoken out about his ordeal for the first time.
In a statement, the victim, a man in his 30s, said he was “coming to terms with my injuries, and the circumstances surrounding the events of Saturday evening”.
The Willetton stabbing victim recovering in hospital.
The man was leaving a 24-hour gym about 10pm near Bunnings in Willetton when the 16-year-old stabbed him in the back with a large kitchen knife. He was taken to hospital where he remains.
Speaking from hospital the man said it was a “very difficult time for everyone involved”.
“I would like to thank the first responders who attended the scene, the staff at Royal Perth Hospital for the treatment that I have received, and the community for their support,” he said.
“This is very difficult time for everyone involved, and I ask that I now be afforded privacy as I recover from my physical injuries and the emotional toll that this has placed on me.”
On Sunday, Premier Roger Cook said members of WA’s Muslim community were concerned about the boy’s behaviour and contacted police in the lead up to the incident.
The boy was known to police and was taking part in a de-radicalisation program.
He was believed to have shared his extremist views with other Rossmoyne Senior High School students in a prayer room, which was unmonitored despite parents’ concerns.
“I imagine [the 16-year-old] would have been able to use that prayer room without active oversight,” Department of Education director-general Lisa Rodgers told 6PR on Wednesday.
“He was extremely radicalised and had complex issues. The school reported matters to the federal police when they observed some unusual behaviour.”
She said the school reported the boy’s behaviour.
He was also placed in a de-radicalisation program, alongside five others under the age of 18, and was only allowed a basic phone.
When questioned whether the parents had a genuine cause to be concerned and to want the prayer room shut down, Rodgers said there was a big difference between practising faith and becoming radicalised.
She will meet with members of the Office of Multicultural Interests and faith leaders representing religious communities across Perth to discuss how to ensure prayer rooms were used appropriately.
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