Sydney, Australia – Tragedy struck at the Westfield Bondi Junction Shopping Centre on Saturday afternoon, resulting in the deaths of six individuals, as well as the attacker responsible for the violent stabbing rampage. A nine-month-old baby was among the victims and underwent surgery, while others remain in serious or critical condition.
Reports indicate that the sixth victim was the mother of the baby, who succumbed to her injuries in the hospital. The child is currently receiving medical care at Sydney Children’s Hospital. Eyewitnesses described a chaotic scene as a man started chasing and stabbing people before being shot by the police.
During a police briefing, Police Assistant Commissioner Anthony Cooke revealed that the male assailant entered the shopping center and attacked approximately nine individuals. The attacker used a weapon to inflict harm on the victims, resulting in fatal injuries for six people. A police officer intervened by using lethal force when the assailant lunged at her with a knife.
NSW Police Commissioner Karen Webb later confirmed that the attacker, a 40-year-old man known to authorities, had been identified. Authorities are not treating the incident as a terrorist act, emphasizing that the individual acted alone and no longer poses a threat to the public. Eyewitnesses recounted hearing gunshots and witnessing distressing scenes of violence, with some providing aid to the injured victims.
Footage circulating on social media depicted the aftermath of the attack, showing individuals on the ground with bloodstained clothing. Witnesses expressed shock and fear over the unfolding events, with some seeking refuge inside stores as the police conducted operations to secure the area.
Emergency service crews, including the police tactical operations unit, responded to the scene to manage the situation. As the community grapples with the tragic events at the shopping center, authorities continue to investigate the motives behind the attack and provide support to those affected by the senseless violence.