Australian police have confirmed a severe incident at Westfield Bondi Junction mall where "multiple people" were stabbed amid a crowd of Saturday afternoon shoppers. The attack led to an immediate lockdown of the shopping complex, and authorities are advising the public to stay clear of the area.

A devastating event occurred at a bustling Sydney shopping center this Saturday, where a stabbing spree claimed the lives of six individuals, including the perpetrator. Several others were wounded in the attack, among them a small child, police detailed.

The violent spree began when a single attacker started stabbing shoppers without any apparent selection criteria. A total of nine individuals were attacked before a police inspector intervened and shot the assailant dead, reported Assistant Police Commissioner Anthony Cooke during a news briefing.

Tragically, Five Victims Succumbed to Their Injuries, Cooke Confirmed

Assistant Commissioner Cooke stated that there was "nothing that we are aware of at the scene that would indicate any motive or any ideology." He further mentioned that while the motive remains unclear, terrorism has not been conclusively ruled out.

In response to the tragedy, officials acted quickly to evacuate hundreds from the premises, aiming to secure the scene and aid the wounded. Eyewitness accounts tell of hearing gunfire amidst the chaos, painting a distressing picture of the scene with a wounded woman lying on the ground before she could find safety in a store nearby.

Police Confirm Sixth Victim Was the Mother of Infant Who Is Currently in Hospital

Police have officially identified the sixth fatality of the tragic Sydney mall stabbing as a woman who passed away in the hospital after the attack. She was the mother of a nine-month-old infant who also suffered injuries during the incident and is now under medical care in the hospital.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has offered his deepest sympathies, highlighting the significant impact of the incident. "Tragically, multiple casualties have been reported and the first thoughts of all Australians are with those affected and their loved ones," he stated on social media platforms.

In the ongoing investigation, law enforcement is piecing together the details of the events that led to this devastating outcome. They are committed to supporting the bereaved families and the community members who are struggling to come to terms with the consequences of this violent spree. Authorities continue to gather evidence and provide updates as they strive to offer closure and support to everyone impacted.

Reports Detail Suspect's Rampage Before Police Intervention

The attacker, identified only as a man wielding a knife, targeted several people within the busy shopping mall before police were forced to use deadly force to stop him. The sequence of these events unfolded rapidly, leaving the community and authorities in shock.

A spokesperson for New South Wales Ambulance informed AFP that eight individuals were rushed to various hospitals around Sydney for urgent care. Among the victims was a young child who needed specialized treatment and was taken to the city's Children's Hospital. "They all have traumatic injuries," the spokesperson confirmed, emphasizing the severity of the situation.

Media outlets have aired security camera footage that captures the chilling moments of the attack. The video shows a man, clad in an Australian rugby league jersey, running erratically through the shopping center wielding a large knife. The footage also showed several individuals lying on the ground, appearing lifeless—a stark visual of the havoc wreaked.

Eyewitnesses shared their harrowing experiences, recounting a scene filled with panic and fear as people scrambled to find safety. Many shoppers and their families sought refuge in nearby stores, attempting to shield themselves from the danger that had abruptly invaded their routine weekend activities. This desperate search for safety highlighted the terrifying nature of the situation as police worked diligently to secure the area and manage the unfolding crisis.

'Running and Screaming'

Pranjul Bokaria had just concluded her workday and was shopping when the stabbing incident erupted. In a rush for safety, she made her way to a nearby store and hid in the break room. "It was scary, there are some people who were emotionally vulnerable and crying," she recounted to AFP. In a bid for safety, she, along with other shoppers and store staff, utilized an emergency exit which led them to a back street. Bokaria captured the moment as one of sheer "chaos", with people frantically running while police rapidly converged on the scene. "I am alive and grateful," she expressed, relieved to have escaped the danger.

Reece Colmenares was en route to the gym when she encountered a crowd in panic. "People running and screaming" was the first sign of trouble, she noticed. She learned from the fleeing crowd that someone had been stabbed and quickly sought refuge in a nearby hardware store along with a group of 10 to 12 others. "They took us down [to a room] and closed the shop," Colmenares explained, describing the scene as frightening with the presence of vulnerable groups including children, the elderly, and people in wheelchairs.

As the evening progressed, the area outside the shopping complex remained tense with a significant emergency response. Dozens of police officers and ambulances were stationed around the premises, ready with stretchers to transport more victims to hospitals if needed. The continued presence of police sirens and overhead helicopter noises added to the intense atmosphere. Authorities maintained the lockdown of the mall and reiterated calls for the public to steer clear of the area, ensuring the safety of everyone involved while the situation was brought under control.

Ongoing Lockdown and Investigation at the Mall

The mall continues to be under strict lockdown as the investigation into the stabbing incident progresses. Authorities are emphasizing the importance of avoiding the area for public safety. Paramedics were actively providing medical assistance on-site, supported by a large contingent of emergency services personnel who rapidly responded to the crisis.

Roi Huberman, who witnessed the terrifying events, detailed his experience during the attack. "And suddenly we heard a shot or maybe two shots and we didn't know what to do," he recounted. A quick-thinking store employee acted promptly, guiding Huberman and others to a secure area of the store. "Then the very capable person in the store took us to the back where it can be locked. She then locked the store and then she then let us through the back and now we are out," he explained, grateful for the safety measures taken during the critical moments.

As more details are examined, law enforcement and forensic teams are diligently working to understand the sequence of events that culminated in such devastating loss and trauma. Their goal is to provide clarity and closure to the bereaved families and affected community members, all of whom are struggling to cope with the fallout from this violent spree. The support extended by the authorities is aimed at helping everyone involved to recover and rebuild in the wake of this tragic incident.

Opposition Leader Peter Dutton Responds to Sydney Mall Stabbing

In response to the harrowing events at Westfield Bondi Junction, Opposition Leader Peter Dutton has issued a heartfelt statement via social media platform X, expressing his dismay and sympathy. "Australians will be in shock this evening at the tragic and terrifying events which have taken place at Westfield Bondi Junction," he wrote. His message reflected the nation's mourning for the lives lost and concern for the injured. "We grieve for the five 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."

Dutton also highlighted the courageous efforts of those at the scene, commending the "heroism" of police officers and first responders. He specifically acknowledged "the bravery of one female officer who neutralised the assailant" and praised "the brave shopkeepers and staff who helped shoppers shelter amidst the chaos." He extended his gratitude towards the community members who demonstrated remarkable solidarity. "We thank everyday Australians who helped each other get to safety and those who provided comfort to others in distress."

The rarity of such violent attacks in Australia, where violent crime rates are notably low, makes this incident particularly shocking. The statement from Dutton underscores a national sentiment of unity and resilience in the face of such unexpected violence, emphasizing a collective effort to support those affected and to recognize the bravery displayed during the crisis.

What We Know So Far About the Sydney Mall Stabbing

• Incident Overview: Six individuals lost their lives in a stabbing attack at the Bondi Junction Westfield, a six-level shopping center in Sydney’s east. The attacker was also shot dead by police during the incident.
• Casualties: Among the injured are several individuals, including a small child, some of whom have critical or serious injuries.
• Timeline of Events: The incident occurred shortly after 3 PM on a busy Saturday. Police received reports of the attack around 3:30 PM and responded to the scene where hundreds of people were taking cover inside shops and storerooms.
• Details on the Attack: Eyewitnesses reported a man attacking shoppers with what was described as a "big blade." A lone police officer, who was on patrol nearby, pursued the assailant through the shopping center and fatally shot him when he turned and raised his knife at her.
• Identification and Motive: The attacker has not been identified, and a clear motive has not been established. Police believe he acted alone and currently do not see an ongoing active threat.
• Heroic Actions: Prime Minister Anthony Albanese praised the actions of the police officer who confronted and neutralized the threat, describing her as a hero whose actions likely saved many lives.
• Additional Victims: Among the injured were a mother and her baby, both of whom received treatment for stab wounds.
• Speculation on Motive: It is still too early to determine the motive behind the attack. Prime Minister Albanese and Australian Federal Police Commissioner Reece Kershaw have advised against speculation at this stage.
• Terrorism Consideration: While not ruled out, police have stated there is currently no evidence at the scene to suggest a specific motive or ideology.
• Ongoing Investigation: The shopping center remains closed, a crime scene has been established, and police have scheduled an update for 8:30 PM.