By LACHLAN MOORHEAD
THE Endeavour Hills terrorism suspect shot dead by police on Tuesday was allegedly waving an Islamic State flag outside Dandenong Plaza Shopping Centre last week.
The 18-year-old man was shot outside the Endeavour Hills police station around 7.45pm on Tuesday night, after he allegedly stabbed a Victoria Police officer and an Australian Federal Police member.
Media reports indicate authorities have identified the man as Numan Haider, of Endeavour Hills.
It’s believed the man had been brandishing a flag outside Dandenong Plaza Shopping Centre in the lead-up to the shooting, and Victoria Police Chief Commissioner Ken Lay said it appeared to be an ISIS flag.
The man’s passport was suspended roughly a week ago, according to police.
Mr Lay said police first became aware of the youth about three months ago, when he came into contact with Victoria Police.
“It’s true to say, late last week, we learned of some behaviours that were causing us significant concern and our interest was greatly heightened,” Mr Lay said.
“And in response to that, there was a request made for the deceased to come and have a chat to the JCTT people and what we saw last night was a result of that request.”
A spokesperson for Dandenong Plaza confirmed that police had contacted the shopping centre’s management with a request to view CCTV footage.
“Police inquired about viewing our CCTV footage in relation to an incident they observed in the mall adjacent to the centre, last week,” the spokesperson said.
It’s understood the 18-year-old met the two police officers outside the police station before stabbing them.
The AFP officer underwent surgery on Tuesday night in relation to wounds to his abdomen, neck, stomach and head.
The Victorian officer sustained cuts to his arm and will undergo surgery on Wednesday.
Holt MP Anthony Byrne, whose federal electorate includes Endeavour Hills, said his thoughts were with the police officers involved in the incident.
“The shocking and horrific events that occurred in my electorate have quite clearly had an impact on the electorate and the community at large,” Mr Byrne said, outside Parliament on Wednesday.
“I want to say right from the outset, I want to thank the officers involved, I want to thank the AFP officer and the Victoria Police officer who literally put their lives on the line to keep our community safe.”
