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Alleged ACL arsonist dies before trial

A Canberra man police alleged lit a van stocked with gas cylinders outside the offices of the Australian Christian Lobby has killed himself before his trial.

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Source: AAP


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A man charged over an explosion outside the Canberra offices of the Australian Christian Lobby late last year has died.

Jaden Duong reportedly died by suicide on Sunday.

The 36-year-old was set to face trial, accused of igniting a van stocked with gas cylinders in the carpark of the ACL building on December 21.

Australian Federal Police commissioner Andrew Colvin said earlier this year thast police believed his primary motivation was to kill himself, driven by mental illness.

But the lobby's managing director Lyle Shelton has taken issue with police's description of the incident, insisting the ACL was specifically targeted.

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The ACL on Monday extended its condolences to the man's family and friends.

"From the time of the incident, the Australian Christian Lobby has been consistent in our expression of forgiveness for Mr Duong, and our hope that he was receiving the support that he needed," it said in a statement.

"The concerns raised by us were only ever about the police process in relation to the incident."

Readers seeking support and information about suicide prevention can contact Lifeline on 13 11 14.


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