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Brisbane bus driver death: police charge man with murder, arson Brisbane bus driver death: man charged with murder 'numb', says lawyer
(35 minutes later)
A man has appeared in court charged with the murder of a Brisbane bus driver, who he allegedly set alight in a horrific daylight attack. The man accused of setting a Brisbane bus driver on fire is “numb” after being charged with murder, his lawyer says.
Manmeet Alisher, 29, was killed when an “incendiary device” was thrown at him while he was letting passengers on at Moorooka on Friday morning. Anthony O’Donohue, 48, appeared briefly in the Brisbane magistrates court on Saturday charged with killing Manmeet Alisher, 29, at a Moorooka bus stop on Friday.
A 48-year-old man, described by police as “compliant”, was arrested at the scene and charged with murder, arson and 11 counts of attempted murder late on Friday night. O’Donohue is also charged with arson and 11 counts of attempted murder relating to the passengers who were on the bus at the time of the fatal attack.
His lawyer, Adam Magill, told the media he had concerns for his client’s mental health, which needed to be assessed particularly because the heinous circumstances of the alleged offence did not “make sense”.
“He’s numb, I don’t think he’s feeling anything at this point in time,” Magill said. “He’s trying to come to terms with what happened himself.”
Alisher was killed when an “incendiary device” was thrown at him while he was letting passengers on at Moorooka on Friday morning.
The police commissioner, Ian Stewart, said on Friday counter-terrorism authorities were involved in a homicide investigation but that there was nothing so far to suggest terrorism-related links.The police commissioner, Ian Stewart, said on Friday counter-terrorism authorities were involved in a homicide investigation but that there was nothing so far to suggest terrorism-related links.
He also said there was no indication the attack was racially motivated.He also said there was no indication the attack was racially motivated.
The accused appeared briefly in the Brisbane magistrates court on Saturday.
His lawyer, Adam Magill, told the media he had concerns for his client’s mental health and that his client was feeling “numb” as he tried to come to terms with what happened.
Family, friends and locals will pay their respects to Alisher at a vigil to be held in Brisbane’s south.Family, friends and locals will pay their respects to Alisher at a vigil to be held in Brisbane’s south.
It has been organised for 5.30pm at Luxworth Place, Beaudesert Rd, Moorooka.It has been organised for 5.30pm at Luxworth Place, Beaudesert Rd, Moorooka.
The local councillor Steve Griffiths posted a message on his Facebook page, saying the vigil was not only to pay respect to Alisher but to those affected.The local councillor Steve Griffiths posted a message on his Facebook page, saying the vigil was not only to pay respect to Alisher but to those affected.
Brisbane lord mayor Graham Quirk said the driver was a casual worker who had been employed only for a few months.Brisbane lord mayor Graham Quirk said the driver was a casual worker who had been employed only for a few months.
Quirk said flags would be flown half-mast at council facilities on Saturday as a sign of respect.Quirk said flags would be flown half-mast at council facilities on Saturday as a sign of respect.
Stewart has publicly praised Aguek Nyok, who kicked out the back door of the bus as it stood burning and choked with smoke.Stewart has publicly praised Aguek Nyok, who kicked out the back door of the bus as it stood burning and choked with smoke.
Passengers, reportedly including some children and their terrified mothers, were able to escape. Six people who were on the bus have been treated for smoke inhalation and minor injuries.Passengers, reportedly including some children and their terrified mothers, were able to escape. Six people who were on the bus have been treated for smoke inhalation and minor injuries.
Nyok said has told of his confusion after coming across the blazing vehicle. He began kicking frantically at a back door when he heard people screaming.Nyok said has told of his confusion after coming across the blazing vehicle. He began kicking frantically at a back door when he heard people screaming.
“I thought the driver would open the door for them but nah, I stood a few seconds and nothing was happening so I decided to do something about it,” he told the Nine Network. “Everyone was shaking ... I was just holding the door until the last one got out.”“I thought the driver would open the door for them but nah, I stood a few seconds and nothing was happening so I decided to do something about it,” he told the Nine Network. “Everyone was shaking ... I was just holding the door until the last one got out.”