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In Lisbon, Portugal, two women were stabbed to death at a Muslim religious centre known as the Ismaili Centre on Avenida Lusíada. The attack took place on Tuesday and was carried out by an Afghan man who was armed with a large knife. The suspect was shot in the leg by police and subsequently taken into custody. According to reports, one of the victims was the attacker's English teacher at the centre, while the other was a fellow classmate.
The attack occurred in the morning, and police received a call at around 11:00 local time after the suspect entered the centre. The officers at the scene asked the attacker to stop, but he disobeyed their requests and was shot. The motive for the attack is still unclear, and investigations are ongoing to determine the reason behind the incident.
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Prime Minister Antonio Costa has stated that the incident appears to be an isolated act, and it is premature to discuss a possible motive at this point. Home Affairs Minister Jose Luis Carneiro echoed this sentiment, saying that the circumstances and motivations of the attack are still being investigated. The alleged attacker was a relatively young man with three young children, and his wife had died in a refugee camp in Greece.
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The Ismaili Centre is a place of worship for the Ismaili community, which is a minority branch of Shia Islam whose members recognise Prince Karim Aga Khan as their spiritual leader. The Ismaili community in Portugal is one of the largest in continental Europe, with thousands of members, including many who fled Mozambique during its civil war.
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According to Mr Carneiro, the suspect often visited the Ismaili Centre to study Portuguese, collect food donations, and receive childcare. The victims of the attack were both employed at the centre's refugee support programme, highlighting the importance of the centre's work within the community.
Following the attack, the police urged the public to avoid the area surrounding the Ismaili Centre on Tuesday. The incident has shocked the local community, and condolences have been pouring in for the victims and their families.
