The head of the institution, Luis Neves, stated there was no evidence of a religious radicalization motive in the events under investigation. He explained that investigators traced the alleged aggressor from Afghanistan through Greece to Portugal, but found nothing to suggest a connection to extremist or religiously motivated ideologies. Neves emphasized that the inquiry had not revealed any background indicators pointing toward radicalization and that the process was ongoing while authorities pursued every lead. According to the RTP network, these remarks were shared as part of an early assessment that aims to contextualize the incident without leaping to conclusions about intent or affiliation.
The suspect, who killed two women at the Ismaili Center before being shot by police, was transported to a hospital for treatment after the confrontation. Neves confirmed that the person had already undergone questioning but declined to disclose further details, citing the delicate nature of the case and the ongoing investigations. The director expressed his condolences and stressed the importance of respecting due process while investigators work to understand the sequence of events, the motives involved, and any potential safety gaps that may need to be addressed. The focus remained on gathering evidence and ensuring that all affected individuals receive appropriate support, as authorities pieced together the timeline of the incident and its broader context.
Prime Minister António Costa commented on the incident early on Tuesday, describing it as an isolated episode. This assessment aligned with the initial statements from President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, who also framed the event as an isolated case in his initial response. Government officials indicated that there was no indication of a wider threat at that moment and that security measures were being reviewed to prevent a recurrence. The remarks reflected a commitment to transparency and calm, while security services continued with their standard procedures, including interagency coordination, public communication, and a careful examination of the circumstances surrounding the attack to determine any broader implications for national safety and community resilience.