• 15 Oct, 2024

Six dead in mass stabbing at Sydney shopping center

Six dead in mass stabbing at Sydney shopping center

Six individuals tragically lost their lives and numerous others were injured, including a nine-month-old baby, in a devastating mass stabbing at a bustling shopping mall in Sydney, as confirmed by Australian police.

The incident unfolded at Westfield Bondi Junction on Saturday afternoon local time, prompting scenes of panic as witnesses recounted hiding in shops to evade the attacker. New South Wales (NSW) police commissioner Karen Webb revealed that four women and a man succumbed to their injuries at the shopping mall, with another woman passing away at the hospital. Currently, eight individuals are receiving treatment for their injuries in hospitals across Sydney, with the infant undergoing surgery. The lone suspect, who acted alone, was fatally shot by a lone officer at the scene, as detailed by NSW’s Assistant Commissioner Anthony Cooke. A senior police inspector who was nearby during the attack bravely engaged with the assailant and discharged her firearm when he raised a knife at her. Commissioner Webb stated that current evidence does not suggest a terror motive, but emphasized that the investigation will continue for an extended period. While authorities believe the suspect to be a 40-year-old man, further identification details are pending as background checks continue. It has been disclosed that the suspect had no prior contact with Australian counterterrorism officials, although previous encounters with New South Wales Police related to mental health issues have been noted.