Oddly enough, authorities are saying already that he was “inspired by Islamic State.” It is unlikely that we have seen the last of the ridiculous “mental illness” explanation, but it is refreshing to see Australian authorities essentially call jihad jihad. Now if only they would start to act effectively and realistically against it.

“Man charged with committing terrorist act in Sydney and attempted murder,” by Rachel Olding, Sydney Morning Herald, September 11, 2016 (thanks to Kenneth):

A 59-year-old man walking his dog in Sydney’s west on Saturday afternoon was allegedly stabbed multiple times by a man inspired by Islamic State.

Police charged the 22-year-old assailant with committing a terrorist attack and attempted murder following the random stabbing attack in Ohlfsen Road, Minto, just after 4pm.

Deputy Commissioner Catherine Burn said it’s possible the man attacked the stranger in an attempt to lure police and attack them.

When officers tried to arrest him at a home in Ohlfsen Road, he allegedly attempted to stab an officer through the window using a large knife.

They had to use a Taser to subdue him.

Ms Burn said investigators have found information to suggest the man had planned to commit an attack on Saturday that was inspired by Islamic State.

“We know that this person has strong extremist beliefs inspired by ISIS. What made him actually act yesterday we don’t know,” she said.

“There was clearly some planning yesterday that we do know about and that only came to light post the incident.”

“This clearly was a very volatile, very violent situation that police and the members of the community were confronted with.”

The 59-year-old victim, known as Wayne, was well-known around the neighbourhood and was often seen out walking.

He was allegedly stabbed while walking through a reserve on Saturday and he suffered serious injuries to his hands and body.

Witnesses heard the 22-year-old man shouting in Arabic during and after the attack. The victim managed to run to a nearby home to seek help.

He was taken by ambulance helicopter to Liverpool Hospital in a critical condition. His condition improved to serious on Sunday.

The 22-year-old man allegedly chased his victim to the home and tried to smash his way in. He was arrested at the scene following a confrontation with police.

Police believe the 22-year-old didn’t know the local man but Ms Burn said he had “formed some views” about him in the immediate lead-up to the attack.

​The 22-year-old has a criminal conviction for property-related offences and had come to the attention of local police recently for “odd” behaviour that suggested he may hold extremist beliefs, Ms Burn said.

She said he was not connected to any local or international terror groups but he’s “clearly dealing with some issues”….