Melbourne Siege: Gunman Was Out On Parole, ISIS Claims Attack

The gunman has been identified as a Somalian refugee who was recently released on parole.

3 policemen sustained injuries during the rescue operation. (Photo: AP Screengrab)

A gunman killed a man and held a woman hostage for two hours in a siege in Melbourne on 5 June.

The attacker was killed by the police at the Bay Street apartment complex in suburban Brighton locality, “shortly before 6 pm,” police said. The gunman has been identified as Yacqub Khayre, a Somalian refugee who was recently released on parole after being acquitted in 2010 for planning a suicide attack in Sydney.

The Islamic State claimed responsibility for the attack, as its news agency Amaq reported.

The events in Melbourne last night coming so soon after the attack in London have shocked all Australians. This terrorist attack by a known criminal, a man who was only recently released on parole is a shocking and cowardly crime. He was known to have connections with violent extremism and was a known violent offender. How was he on parole?

Malcolm Turnbull, Australian Prime Minister

While three policemen sustained injuries during the rescue operation, the woman who was held hostage, escaped unhurt.

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Video Editor: Mohd Ibrahim