28/03/23
Two people stabbed to death at the Ismaili Centre in Lisbon
Two women have been stabbed to death at a Muslim religious centre in the Portuguese capital Lisbon, police say.
The attack took place at the Ismaili Centre on Avenida Lusíada. The suspect, who was in possession of a large knife, was shot in the leg by police.
He was then detained and has been taken to hospital. The motive for the attack is not yet clear.
Police said they received a call at about 11:00 local time after the suspect entered the centre.
Officers asked the suspect to stop the attack, but he disobeyed and was shot.
Speaking to SIC Notícias, the leader of the Ismaili community Nazim Ahmad said the attacker was Afghan and the two victims were Portuguese women.
A statement on the Ismaili website said the community was "shocked and saddened by this incident and is providing support to the families of the victims".
"The perimeter of the building has been secured and the Ismaili community is co-operating fully with a police investigation," it read.
Prime Minister Antonio Costa said it appeared to be "an isolated act" and discussing a possible motive was "premature".
Police urged the public to avoid the area near to the Ismaili Centre on Tuesday.
An employee at the centre told Portuguese news website Sapo: "It all happened very quickly. The police are here in the centre investigating."
Ismailism is a branch of Shia Islam. Some followers recognise Prince Karim Aga Khan as their spiritual leader.
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