A van believed to be carrying gas cylinders reportedly exploded after being driven into the Deakin West headquarters of the Australian Christian Lobby late last night.
See our Facebook live coverage from the Eternity House, the ACL’s headquarters in Campion St, Deakin West as the organisation’s managing director, Lyle Shelton, arrived at around 8.30am to assess the damage and address media:
https://www.facebook.com/riotactnews/videos/10154824922268850/
No one was inside the Eternity House building at the time of the explosion, approximately 10.45pm according to a report from News Ltd, though the alleged driver is reportedly receiving medical treatment for his injuries and the two-storey structure sustained extensive fire damage following the impact.
The managing director of the Australian Christian Lobby, Lyle Shelton, who was interstate on holidays, will return today to assess the damage. He tweeted photographs of the scene this morning.
A vehicle has rammed our office in Canberra & exploded. All staff are safe. I do not know the condition of the driver. Prayers appreciated. pic.twitter.com/R1cKOIfMTC
— Lyle Shelton (@LyleShelton) December 21, 2016
A closer view of the car bomb driven into the ACL office in Canberra tonight. Shocked that this could happen in Australia. pic.twitter.com/GxJQZLTFQr
— Lyle Shelton (@LyleShelton) December 21, 2016
“A closer view of the car bomb driven into the ACL office in Canberra tonight. Shocked that this could happen in Australia.”
The ACL MD told News Corp police had confirmed the van had been loaded with gas cylinders and detonated.
“We have had the normal trolls on social media and even had death threats sent to our Canberra office over the year but I am very concerned someone would do this,” he said.
“It is a relief the building was unoccupied at the time and we are all very thankful our staff are all safe.
“Obviously this is very unsettling to us but also to anyone in Australia, for this to happen in Canberra, our nation’s capital is very disappointing.”
The ACL has been vocal throughout this election year in its opposition to issues such as marriage equality and the Safe Schools program.
Federal Nationals MP George Christensen tweeted his sympathy to Mr Shelton this morning:
“I hope you’re all ok @LyleShelton – if this indeed a politically motivated attack it is disgraceful & should be denounced.”
To which the ACL MD responded:
“Thx George. Too early to tell but we have received numerous death threats & threats of violence this yr which sadly have not been denounced.”
ACT Policing is investigating the incident and asks anyone with information to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or via their website, https://act.crimestoppers.com.au. Information can be provided anonymously.
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