Sydney Mall Stabbing: Six Dead, Toddler Among Several Injured; Knifeman Gunned Down

At least six people were killed when a man went on a stabbing spree in a busy shopping area in Australia’s Sydney. The attacker was shot dead by the police, according to Australian news agencies The Sydney Morning Herald and news.au.com.

New South Wales emergency officials said that one man was shot dead by the police. The man is believe to be one of the attackers.

Police said only one offender is involved. New South Wales emergency officials said that one man was shot dead by the police. The man is believed to be one of the attackers. They also said that eight people were taken to the hospital.

“I’m advised that there are five victims who are now deceased as a result of the actions of this offender,” said New South Wales police assistant commissioner Anthony Cooke.

The motive was not immediately clear, but Cooke said “terrorism” could not be ruled out at this stage.

NSW Police Commissioner Karen Webb later said the knifeman was a 40-year-old who was known to police but is not believed to have held terrorist beliefs. He is yet to be formally identified and the police are confident he acted alone, according to a report by the Sydney Morning Herald.

“I do not know at this stage who he is. You would understand this is quite raw. Inquiries are very new and we are continuing to make attempts to identify the offender in this matter,” said Cooke.

“A critical incident has commenced following the shooting of male at Bondi Junction. Just before 4pm (Saturday 13 April 2024), emergency services were called to Westfield Bondi Junction following reports of multiple people stabbed. People are urged to avoid the area. Inquiries are continuing in relation to the incident and there are no further details,” the New South Wales police said in a post on X.

The sprawling Westfield Bondi Junction mall complex, which has been locked down.

What Happened In Sydney’s Bondi Shopping Center Today

A person speaking to Australian broadcaster Nine News said the attacker, who wore a green t-shirt, seemed like he was picking targets randomly. “He wasn’t going for anyone personally, you could tell it looked quite random, he was just running around with his knife,” the man was quoted as saying.

A person speaking to the news agency news.au.com said that a mother and her baby were also stabbed. The person said the mother is not in a good state but the baby will survive.

Condolences Pour In

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said he was briefed about the incident by news agency AFP.

“I have been briefed by the AFP on the devastating events at Bondi Junction. Tragically, multiple casualties have been reported and the first thoughts of all Australians are with those affected and their loved ones. Our hearts go out to those injured and we offer our thanks to those caring for them as well as our brave police and first responders,” Albanese said in a post on social media site X.