Breaking news overnight in Melbourne, Australia where a 32-year-old Australian citizen of Afghan descent was arrested after targeting Christmas shoppers with his car:
Video shows the scenes on Flinders Street, Melbourne after a car plowed into a crowd of Christmas shoppers. Police are calling it a "deliberate act." https://t.co/9v21zDNcb9 pic.twitter.com/IQaHHkg7TE
— CNN (@CNN) December 21, 2017
Two men were arrested. The driver, left, and a man photographing the aftermath of the attack who also reportedly had 3 knives on him:
These two dudes just drove through a bunch of pedestrians in Melbourne in what police say is a deliberate act of violence. pic.twitter.com/4Ln0DcqurD
— Ian Miles Cheong (@stillgray) December 21, 2017
As of now, “up to 19” were injured in the attack:
BREAKING: Australian police say up to 19 injured after car rams into crowd in central Melbourne; driver arrested.
— The Associated Press (@AP) December 21, 2017
An eyewitness told the media, “He just ploughed into them without stopping”:
"He just ploughed into them without stopping" – Eyewitness describes scene of chaos in Melbourne, where a car has been driven into pedestrians in "a deliberate act" https://t.co/rE8VSOLmY2 pic.twitter.com/7urQ34LcKV
— BBC News (World) (@BBCWorld) December 21, 2017
Police won’t list a motive yet, but they’re claiming the driver has a history of mental health issues:
UPDATE: Police say driver in Melbourne car incident is Australian citizen with history of mental health issues; say no evidence incident is terror-related https://t.co/KA9juJlKgn
— Reuters Top News (@Reuters) December 21, 2017
But…
Australian police say the driver of the car that rammed pedestrians in #Melbourne is a 32 year old Australian of Afghan origin with a history of drug use, mental health issues and assault. No evidence it's terrorist related say police.
— Bill Neely (@BillNeelyNBC) December 21, 2017
An off-duty cop made the arrest of the driver:
The off-duty cop who detained the driver in Melbourne this afternoon was injured during his incredibly brave act. He's a genuine hero. #FlidersSt
— Tom Whitty (@twhittyer) December 21, 2017
.@VictoriaPolice : #Melbourne #FlindersSt no connection to terrorism so far. 1 driver w/history of drugs/mental health, under mental health treatment, arrested. drove up tram tracks, hit pedestrians crossing, crashed into tram stop, arrested by off duty police at site.
— Rym Momtaz ريم ممتاز (@RymMomtaz) December 21, 2017
Here’s what we know about the second man arrested:
2nd man in proximity of incident, was filming on cell phone, had bag with 3 knives, also taken into custody byt police do not believe at this stage he is connected to the incident. Probable will be exonerated. #Melbourne #FlindersSt
— Rym Momtaz ريم ممتاز (@RymMomtaz) December 21, 2017
Police are investigating if there are ties between the two:
The man was known to police but last charged for a minor assault in 2010. No known relationship at this point with the second man arrested at scene after being spotted filming incident (and carrying three knives) #Melbourne. https://t.co/cfFWv5imyP
— ? Flip Prior ? (@FlipPrior) December 21, 2017
We’ll keep you posted as we learn more.
***
