RUTHFULLY YOURS

A French national allegedly shouted “Allahu akbar” during and after a stabbing attack that left a British woman dead and another Briton fighting for his life at a backpackers hostel outside of Townsville last night.

Possible extremist motivations for the attack are now being investigated by Queensland Police and the Australian Federal Police, with the man yet to be questioned by investigators.

Queensland Police Service Deputy Commissioner Steve Gollschewski said the 29 -year-old French man shouted the phrase following the attack at the hostel at Home Hill, south of Townsville, but police had not determined whether the incident was terror related.

Who knows. Maybe the “French” stabber was expressing his Francophonic distaste of Brits by shouting Allahu Akbar.

“While this information will be factored into the investigation, we are not ruling out any motivations at this stage, whether they be political or criminal,” he told reporters in Brisbane.

“Investigators will also consider whether mental health or drug misuse factors are involved in this incident.”

Yes, no possible excuses will be ruled out here.

Queensland Police Minister Bill Byrne described the stabbing attack as “tragic and disturbing”.

“Right now our thoughts are with the victims’ family and friends and the close knit community of Home Hill,” Mr Byrne said.

“I have been briefed by the Police Commissioner on the incident and I remain in contact with him as the investigation unfolds

“As said by Deputy Police Commissioner Steve Gollschewski today, the investigation is still in its early stages and more details are expected to become clear as it progresses.

“It is important that the public understand this is not about race or religion. It is individual criminal behaviour.

Absolutely. It has nothing to do with religion. Not a thing. Allahu Akbar is the sort of thing secular people say when stabbing someone in the name of Allah.