Sydney stabbing: In a shocking incident on Saturday, a knife-wielding assailant went on a rampage at the bustling Westfield Bondi Junction shopping complex in Australia’s Sydney, resulting in the deaths of five people and multiple injuries, including to a young child. The attacker, who remains unidentified, was ultimately shot dead by a policewoman at the scene.
The attack unfolded amidst a crowd of Saturday afternoon shoppers, sending panic rippling through the mall. “I’m advised that there are five victims who are now deceased as a result of the actions of this offender,” NDTV quoted New South Wales police assistant commissioner Anthony Cooke as saying.
Authorities in Sydney have not yet determined a motive for the attack, although Cooke stated that terrorism could not be ruled out at this stage. “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,” Cooke added.
Emergency services in Sydney swiftly responded to the scene, with eight patients, including the injured child, rushed to various hospitals across Sydney.
Security camera footage aired by local media captured the chaos as the assailant, donning an Australian rugby league jersey, brandished a large knife while shoppers lay injured on the floor. Eyewitnesses recounted scenes of sheer panic as shoppers scrambled for safety and police worked to secure the area.
As night descended on the scene in Sydney, a heavy police and ambulance presence remained outside the mall, with stretchers on standby. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese expressed the nation’s sorrow and shock at the tragedy, emphasizing that Australians’ thoughts are with the victims and their families.
Such violent incidents are exceedingly rare in Australia, a country known for its relatively low rates of violent crime. The incident has left the nation reeling in disbelief and mourning.
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