Australia: Wieambilla attack deemed religious terror attack

A shooting in the remote Queensland town of Wieambilla in December has been declared a religiously-motivated terrorist attack.

Two police officers and a neighbour were killed by the three attackers who were later shot dead by police.

Nathaniel, Stacey and Gareth Train launched an attack on police officers, when they attended the property after reports that Nathaniel Train had been reported missing. Matthew Arnold and Rachel McCrow were killed, while another officer was injured and escaped and another hid. Alan Dare, a neighbour, was killed when he arrived at the property.

According to Queensland Police Deputy Commissioner Tracey Lindford, the group subscribed to a Christian fundamentalist belief system known as "pre-millennialism" and while Christian extremist ideology has been linked to attacks in other countries, this is the first time it has been seen in Australia.

It is believed the attack was premeditated with investigators finding evidence of advanced preparation and planning. The property had been fitted with camouflaged hideouts, barriers, dirt mounts, guns, knives, CCTV and mirrors on trees.

There is currently no evidence that any one else in Australia participated in the attack, though the Trains have been linked to people in the US.

According to Lindford, the attack will be investigated in a coronial inquiry.

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