Portugal: Police responding to a knife attack at Ismaili Center in Lisbon, March 28

Event

Police are likely to remain deployed at the Ismaili Center located along Avenida Lusiada in Lisbon through March 28 following an earlier knife attack. An assailant stabbed and killed two people at the site before being shot, injured, and apprehended by the security forces. The suspect has been transferred to the Hospital de Sao Jose; an increased security presence is also reportedly in place at the hospital. The motive for the attack is not clear; officials have indicated it was a criminal act. The identity of the assailant is also unknown; however, he has been described as being an Afghan national. There is no reported ongoing threat.

Officials will almost certainly maintain a heightened security presence in the impact area in the coming hours. Emergency response operations will likely result in localized ground travel and business disruptions. Disruptions to public transport in the area are also likely if officials re-route scheduled services away from the incident site.

Advice

Exercise caution in or near the impacted area in the coming hours. Plan for short-term localized ground travel disruptions. Heed all instructions from security personnel. Remain calm and nonconfrontational, and comply with authorities' directions.