The Queensland Police Service (QPS) has released its intelligence assessment of the motivation behind the tragic incident involving the deaths of two police officers and a member of the public at a Wieambilla property on December 12 last year.
Deputy Commissioner Tracy Linford said QPS Counter Terrorism Investigative and Intelligence staff have conducted a thorough assessment of the offenders involved to understand the motivation behind such extreme violence and whether there was a further threat to community safety.
The Deputy Commissioner said a full analysis of the evidentiary material indicated the incident was a “religiously motivated terrorist attack”.
“Specialist teams have analysed an extensive amount of evidential material including diaries, books and notes located at the scene, phone messages, emails, social media posts, witness statements and body-worn camera footage,” Deputy Commissioner Linford said.
“This information provides more clarity as to the motivation behind the incident than what was known in the days after the event.
“We now know that the offenders executed a religiously motivated terrorist attack.”
She said those responsible were motivated by a Christian extremist ideology and subscribed to the broad Christian fundamentalist belief system known as Pre-Millennialism.
“The attack involved advance planning and preparation against law enforcement.”
“There has been no evidence to suggest anyone else was involved in executing the attack in Australia or that there is any ongoing specific threat.”
A major investigation into the incident remains ongoing on behalf of the State Coroner.
If you are aware of someone who is demonstrating suspicious behaviour or concerned someone is at risk of becoming radicalised, you should report the matter to the National Security Hotline on 1800 123 400 or contact local police.
