Car attack in Australia ‘deliberate’ but not terror-related

Authorities in the Australian city of Melbourne on Thursday arrested two men after their car rammed into pedestrians and injured up to 19 people in an attack police described as “deliberate.” Victoria state police in a statement said the incident took place just after 4:45 p.m. in the city’s central business district when the area was crowded with Christmas shoppers. Witnesses told Sky News Australia the white Suzuki SUV ran a red light before it sped up and hit the pedestrians. Australian police at a news conference identified the driver as a 32-year-old Australian citizen of Afghan descent with a history of drug use and mental issues. Police said they found no evidence that connected the incident to terrorism but noted it was an intentional attack. At least 19 people sustained injuries, including a preschool age child with a serious head injury. Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull called the incident “shocking” and said his thoughts and prayers remain with the victims and first responders.