Rookie police officer who shot Bourke St terrorist praised for bravery
A HERO policeman who fired the shot that fatally injured the terrorist and brought Friday’s terrifying attack to an end had only been in the job for three months, it has been revealed.
Law & Order
Don't miss out on the headlines from Law & Order. Followed categories will be added to My News.
A HERO policeman who fired the shot that fatally injured the terrorist and brought Friday’s terrifying attack to an end had only been in the job for three months.
Victoria Police chief commissioner Graham Ashton praised the actions of the rookie officer, who had only recently graduated from the academy and is from a family of police.
His actions and those of another junior officer, who also confronted Hassan Khalif Shire Ali in Bourke St, have been widely praised.
The officers did not require hospital treatment but were taken to Melbourne East police station to be cared for.
BOURKE ST OFFICERS STARED DOWN DEATH TO PROTECT US
TEARS, TRIBUTES FOR ‘BON VIVANT’ MELBOURNE ICON
They were last night spending time with their families.
“These members found themselves in a dangerous situation very quickly,” Mr Ashton said.
“They acted very bravely. They endeavoured to do their job and they did that pretty effectively and bravely. They followed their training really well (and) I’m proud of their efforts.”
He said police were trained to initially try to “verbally de-escalate” a suspect with the added use of capsicum spray, batons and Tasers.
“His attempts to attack the officers made that really difficult,” Mr Ashton said.
He said if there were an immediate threat to officers or the public, they were trained to shoot.
“If they are going to shoot, they are trained to shoot to kill,” he said.
Professional Standards Command is involved and the Independent Broad-based Anti-corruption Commission was briefed, as is standard procedure with any police shooting.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison commended the officers.
“I praise the bravery of the police who were on the scene and took action, and those who selflessly came to the assistance of the injured and provided comfort to the distressed,” he said.
The officers involved are understood to be keen to avoid media attention.
“They are both reasonably junior,” Mr Ashton said.
“In fact the member that shot at the offender had only been out of the (police) academy about three months.
“He has family members in Victoria Police and he is being provided with support.
“Obviously they went through the initial process after the event of drug testing, taking statements.
“I’m told they are in good spirits although shaken up.”
Police Association of Victoria secretary Wayne Gatt said the union had been in contact with the officers involved.
“It is offering ongoing support and assistance to them,’’ he said.
“We are very proud of their actions; their work and what they did on behalf of the community is a credit to them as it is to the uniform.”
TROLLEY MAN DESCRIBES BOURKE ST HORROR
SURVIVOR STABBED IN HEAD WHILE TRYING TO HELP
Mr Ashton said police officers faced dangerous situation every day — most of which members of the public never knew about.
“Our members are out doing work on behalf of the community and not a night goes by that we don’t have incidents where members are in harm’s way,” he said.
“It doesn’t make the headlines (like the Bourke St incident) but our members are out there dealing with these incidents and I’m proud of their efforts and proud of their efforts last night.”