Van driven into Canberra office of Australian Christian Lobby, causing 'explosion'

[brooklynite]

Source: 9 News

A van reportedly carrying gas bottles has been driven into the headquarters of the Australian Christian Lobby in Canberra's inner south overnight.

The car was set alight and exploded, destroying the vehicle in Deakin the Daily Telegraph reports.

No one was inside at the time but it understood the driver received medical attention.



Read more: http://www.9news.com.au/national/2016/12/22/02/55/van-driven-into-canberra-office-of-australian-christian-lobby

[canetoad]

1. I'd be wary of this story until further facts are confirmed

It happened last night but The Age is reporting cautiously this morning, making sure that all statements are attributed to ACL spokesmen. They are the only ones using the term 'car bomb' at the moment.

http://www.theage.com.au/act-news/van-drove-into-australian-christian-lobbys-canberra-headquarters-and-exploded-20161221-gtg6et.html
This article is not using the terms 'bomb' or 'rammed'. Until more is known, it may very well be a drunken gas-fitter on his way home.

[brooklynite]

2. From the Sydney Morning Herald:

Australian Capital Territory Police confirmed a police operation was under way into the incident.

"ACT policing responded to an incident last night where a vehicle collided with a building in Deakin," a spokesman said. "The driver was the only person injured in the collision. Investigations are ongoing."

"There are no public safety issues and ACT Police are seeking any witnesses to the incident."

http://www.smh.com.au/act-news/van-drove-into-australian-christian-lobbys-canberra-headquarters-and-exploded-20161221-gtg6et.html

[canetoad]

3. Well, yeah

That's exactly what I mean. The ACL guy is saying they were car-bombed. Someone else reported the building 'rammed'. The Age and the SMH are reliable and not jumping to conclusions that this is a terrorist attack. For all we know it may have been just a road accident with a camper van or tradesman.

Edit:
The ABC are now reporting this in guarded terms.
http://www.abc.net.au/news/2016-12-22/australian-christian-lobby-headquarters-rammed-by-burning-van/8140804

It remains unclear whether the incident was an accident or a targeted attack, but ACT police have confirmed they are investigating.

Police also said the male driver of the vehicle was the only person injured and that he had been taken to Canberra Hospital for treatment.

In its only reference to the incident, ACT Fire and Rescue's website said emergency crews had attended a fire at the building in Deakin.

[Violet_Crumble]

4. It's probs the same nutter who did Macca's and Kusina

I'm not sure if he's out on bail but if he is it sounds like his style. A few years ago he walked into a restaurant near where I live, poured petrol everywhere and got stopped when he got overpowered by some customers. The cops caught him but about a year later he bought a gas bottle from a servo, walked into a nearby McDonald's and ignited the gas and just like this latest was the only one hurt. But surely he wouldn't be running around loose again coz he's a menace and a danger to our safety.

Oh and fuck those religious nutters of the ACL, though I'm glad none of them were in the bldg last night. Apart from the hospital deakins pretty dead after 5pm on weekdays.

[canetoad]

5. You may just be right about the nutter

Australian Christian Lobby office car explosion not politically motivated: police
http://www.theage.com.au/act-news/not-politically-motivated-driver-critical-as-police-confirm-christian-lobby-car-bomb-attack-20161221-gtgb06.html

ACT police have confirmed the van that exploded outside the Australian Christian Lobby offices in Canberra on Wednesday night was detonated by the driver but have ruled out political motivation as a reason.

Speaking to the media on Thursday, Deputy Chief Police Commander Mark Walters said the driver appeared to have ignited gas cylinders inside the vehicle about 9.30pm.The resulting explosion damaged the vehicle and building.

The resulting explosion damaged the vehicle and building.

"As a result of our conversations with this man, we've been able to establish that his actions were not politically, religiously or ideologically motivated," Mr Walters said.

On reading further, seems it's not the same nutter. This guy is not known to police. What bugs me is that Shelton from the Aust. Christian Lobby immediately sent out news that it was a political act. He's the real nut job.