In a harrowing incident at Westfield Bondi Junction, a man fatally stabbed six people before being shot dead by police.
The victims include five women and one man, with a nine-month-old child among the eight hospitalised due to injuries sustained during the attack.
The assailant, a 40-year-old man previously known to police, embarked on his rampage earlier on Saturday, prompting a swift response from emergency services.
“We know a little bit about this person but are waiting to confirm his identification,” stated NSW Police Commissioner Karen Webb. She emphasised that this was not a terrorism-related incident and reassured the public that there was no ongoing threat.
Dramatic scenes unfolded as video footage captured the attacker moving up an escalator with a knife in hand, while a brave civilian attempted to block his path at the top with a barrier. The situation escalated until a police officer confronted and fatally shot the suspect.
The Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese, commended the officer’s bravery, declaring that her actions undoubtedly saved lives.
The Australian Federal Police Commissioner, Cr Reece Kershaw, highlighted the cooperation between state and federal authorities in the ongoing investigation, stating it is “too early” to determine the attacker’s motive.
Westfield Bondi Junction will remain closed tomorrow as police secure the expansive crime scene. Commissioner Webb advised the public to avoid the area as the investigation continues.
Eyewitness accounts describe a scene of chaos as shoppers fled in panic. “I didn’t see him properly, I was running. It was insane. I thought I was going to die,” said one survivor, while another recounted seeing a woman lying motionless on the ground.
In response to the tragedy, Prime Minister Albanese expressed his deep condolences to the victims’ families and affirmed the nation’s solidarity with those affected. “Every Australian is with you,” he stated solemnly.
As the community reels from this devastating event, the focus remains on the ongoing police investigation and the recovery of those injured.