At least six people were killed and several others were taken to hospital with injuries after a stabbing at a shopping mall in Sydney, Australia, on Saturday.
Update 1330: Police say a 38-year-old mother was among the six people killed in a mass stabbing at a Sydney shopping mall on Saturday, and her nine-month-old son underwent surgery for stab wounds. This was confirmed, Nine News reported. report. NSW Police Commissioner Karen Webb confirmed four other women and one man were killed in the attack. Webb said police have not yet “officially” identified the slain stabbing suspect, but believes he was “known” to law enforcement. As of press time, the motive for the attack has not been made public.
The original story continues as follows…
At around 4pm local time, police shot dead a male suspect who was seen carrying a knife at a shopping mall in Sydney’s Bondi Junction. Police have so far not released a motive for the attack, which left six people dead and at least nine hospitalized.
“Based on our preliminary investigation, it appears this individual acted alone,” said Assistant Chief Anthony Cook. Said every sydney morning herald. “We are satisfied that there is no ongoing threat.”
“There is no indication of a motive or ideology that we are aware of on the ground.”
Mr Cook said the stabbing suspect was confronted by a female police officer, who shot him dead. He is dead.”
Police enter the Westfield Bondi Junction shopping mall after a stabbing in Sydney on April 13, 2024. Australian police said on April 13 that they received reports of “multiple people” being stabbed at a busy shopping center in Sydney. (Photo by DAVID GREY/AFP) (Photo by DAVID GREY/AFP, Getty Images)
Video footage of the alleged attack shows a bearded young man wearing a rugby shirt holding a knife as shoppers run away in panic.
A young child and two siblings were reportedly among those injured in the attack. tell Nine News reports they rescued a woman and her baby, who were both stabbed.
by herald, the Australian Federal Police has been dispatched to consult with local New South Wales Police, and a joint counter-terrorism team will be established if necessary. The newspaper reported that police were likely to be called in from across the capital and that processing the massive crime scene could take several days.
Emergency workers are seen carrying stretchers outside the Westfield Bondi Junction shopping mall after a fatal stabbing in Sydney on April 13, 2024. Australian police said on April 13 that they had received reports of “multiple people” being stabbed at a busy shopping center in Sydney. (Photo by DAVID GREY/AFP) (Photo by DAVID GREY/AFP, Getty Images)
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese responded to the attack, saying: “This was a horrific act of violence, indiscriminately targeting innocent people who were out shopping on a normal Saturday.”
“Our country expresses its deepest condolences to all those grieving for those who lost their lives and sends strength to those who were injured.”
“The shocking violence that took place at Bondi Junction today is also a testament to the lives of fellow Australians, our brave police, first responders and, of course, those we never imagined we would face. It was also a witness to the humanity and heroism of everyday people.”It was a moment in time,” Albanese said.
“For Australians, our first instinct when faced with danger was to help someone. That’s what we as Australians continue to do tonight.”
This story is unfolding…
