Stabbing Incident at Australian National University Leaves Two Students Hospitalized
Introduction:
In a distressing incident at the Australian National University (ANU) in Canberra, two female students, both 20 years old, were hospitalized following a stabbing. One of the victims is in critical condition, while the other is in stable condition. A 34-year-old man was also assaulted during the incident but sustained only minor injuries. The incident occurred on the ANU campus, prompting a swift response from law enforcement and the university administration.
Details of the Incident:
At 2:45 pm, the authorities were alerted to the situation and promptly dispatched the ACT Policing and ACT Ambulance Service to the ANU campus. According to a police spokesperson, the two female students had suffered stab wounds, with one in critical condition and the other in a stable condition. Fortunately, the third person assaulted during the incident received minor injuries and did not require hospitalization.
Suspect in Custody:
The police have confirmed that a 24-year-old man is currently in custody in connection with the incident. Notably, this individual is identified as Alex Ophel, a former ANU student who had previously faced legal action in 2017 for attacking five people with a baseball bat. During that prior incident, Ophel had caused severe injuries, including broken arms and injuries to multiple individuals.
Motive Unclear:
As of now, no specific motive for the recent stabbing incident has been identified by the authorities. The investigation is ongoing, and no charges have been laid at this time.
University Response:
The ANU swiftly responded to the incident, sending an email notification to all staff and students at approximately 3:30 pm, informing them of the situation. The email assured the community that an individual was in police custody, and there was no further threat to safety on campus. The university also urged the public to avoid Fellows Oval and Chifley Meadow on the ANU campus, which remained closed due to the ongoing investigation. Support services for ANU staff and students were made available on the university’s website.
Appreciation for Swift Response:
ANU Vice-Chancellor Professor Brian Schmidt expressed his gratitude for the quick and efficient response from emergency services and the campus security team. The collaborative efforts of ACT Policing, ACT Ambulance Service, and ANU Security were instrumental in handling the situation promptly.
Witnesses Urged to Come Forward:
The police have urged any witnesses who have not yet come forward to attend City Police Station or contact Crime Stoppers at 1800 333 000, quoting reference P219341. Additionally, individuals possessing footage of the incident are requested to provide these videos to the authorities immediately.
In conclusion, the ANU campus has been shaken by this unfortunate incident, which has left two students hospitalized, and a former student in custody. As the investigation continues, the university community and law enforcement are working together to ensure the safety and well-being of all involved. Further details regarding the motive behind the attack and any subsequent legal actions will be revealed as the investigation unfolds.
