At least six people have died in a stabbing attack at Bondi Junction Westfield, a six-level shopping centre in Sydney.
The attacker, a 40-year-old man who has yet to be formally identified by police, was also killed – shot dead by a police officer responding to the scene police.
The lone police officer tracked him through the centre before shooting him dead when he turned and raised his knife at her.
He is believed to have acted alone and the attack is not believed to be terrorism related.
Police said that “more than several people” were injured in the attack. Some have critical or serious injuries.
Among the injured is a nine-month-old baby who has undergone surgery and is being treated at the hospital.
Sources say that the baby’s mother was the sixth victim of the attack and died in the hospital after being stabbed.
Local media reported that hundreds of people were evacuated, with broadcast footage showing police locking down the scene and assisting the injured.
The attacker’s motive was not immediately clear.
Australian Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese said that speculation “would be unhelpful at this time, we should allow the investigators to go about their work.”
Speaking at a news conference in Canberra, Albanese noted that the attack was “beyond words or understanding.”
“This was a horrific act of violence, indiscriminately targeting innocent people going about an ordinary Saturday doing their shopping,” he said.
Such attacks are rare in Australia, which has some of the world’s toughest gun and knife laws.
Police Officer Hailed
The Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese praised the police officer who confronted and shot the attacker, saying “she is certainly a hero.”
He added, “There is no doubt that she saved lives through her action.”
Karen Webb, the Police Commissioner also praised the “enormous courage” of the police officer who confronted the attacker and shot him.
When asked about the officer’s wellbeing, Webb replied, “She’s doing well, under the circumstances. She showed enormous courage and bravery.”
She added, “So, we just talked about that she’s OK, her family is OK, she’s got everything she needs for the time being. She will be formally interviewed tomorrow, no doubt.”
Webb said that the officer, who has not been officially named by police, is a senior officer of inspector rank and “must have been close by and was the first officer on the scene.”
Webb noted that while the community, like the police, may well feel “very sad about what happened here… they should have no … ongoing concerns.”
“We believe that this person acted alone and there’s no ongoing threat to the community,” she said.
Moreover, Opposition leader, Peter Dutton put out a statement on X about the incident.
He noted that Australians will be in shock at the tragic and terrifying events which have taken place at Westfield Bondi Junction.
He expressed grief for the people who have been killed.
“We pray for those who have been rushed to hospital with injuries. We are thinking of all those families whose loved ones have been caught up in this attack,” he added.
He also praised the “heroism” of police officers and first responders, “in particular, the bravery of one female officer who neutralised the assailant” as well as the “brave shopkeepers and staff who helped shoppers shelter amidst the chaos.
“We thank everyday Australians who helped each other get to safety and those who provided comfort to others in distress,” he added.
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