The blind, mass murderous attack in the Westfield shopping center in Sydney, Australia, shocks Australia and the entire planet.
The man – who is believed to have acted alone – first entered the center at around 3.10pm, left briefly and then returned at around 3.20pm. (local time).
Several other people were rushed to hospital with serious injuries, including a nine-month-old baby who underwent surgery.
NSW Police Commissioner Karen Webb held a brief media briefing in which she confirmed five women and one man had been fatally stabbed at the shopping complex.
The perpetrator is dead – 8 in hospital
The gunman was reportedly shot and killed by a female police officer who was near Westfield when the attack unfolded and rushed to the scene to help.
“Four women and one man died in the shopping center and then another woman who died in the hospital, as a result we have a total of six dead plus the death of the perpetrator,” a representative of the authorities told reporters.
“There are approximately eight people in Sydney hospitals being treated for various injuries related to the attack … at the mall, including a nine-month-old infant who has undergone surgery,” he added.
It is not linked to terrorism
The attacker has not yet been officially identified, but police believe he is a 40-year-old man. “However, we are waiting to formally identify him and cannot talk about his identification as of late,” the spokesman said.
However, the Authorities declare certainty that there is no danger linked to terrorism and the incident is over. “Let me assure you that we are confident that there is no continuing danger and that we are dealing with a person who is now deceased.”
Westfield shopping center will remain an ‘extensive’ crime scene for a few days, and will be closed on Sunday. There are a number of police vehicles outside the shopping center and during the attack alarms were heard ringing throughout the complex as shoppers were evacuated from the premises.
Footage shows a brave citizen tackling the attacker on the escalators
The chilling image from inside the Westfield in Bondi Junction showed the attacker, who was wearing a rugby shirt, walking up the escalators while holding a knife.
Further footage captured the moment a brave citizen then tried to fend off the knifeman with a bollard at the top of the escalators.
A man Stands Off Against the Terrorist at Bondi Junction Westfield Mall Sydney, Australia….at least 4 dead..Amongst the stabbed..
a 9 month old baby…Others were injured as People Stampeded to Escape the Mall…The Suspect..was allegedly Killed by Sydney Police…. pic.twitter.com/JB0D6CBybD— We the People… (@77HERCULES77) April 13, 2024
The brave man was described on social media as an “absolute hero”, with people praising the bystander for his bravery. “Huge respect to the guy who blocked the stairs at Bondi Junction. Absolute hero,” one person told X, accompanied by footage of the moment.
“Whoever that guy is manning the stall at Bondi Junction… Hero,” commented another. “This is absolutely heroic. This person saved hundreds of lives from the violent attack in Sydney. He deserves a Nobel Peace Prize,” added a third.
How the policewoman stopped the knifeman
Australia’s second national hero is the female police inspector who was near the mall rushed to the complex as the attack unfolded and headed towards the man. “She was confronted by the assailant, who had moved to level five (of the mall),” Assistant Commander Anthony Cooke told reporters earlier Saturday.
the female police officer who ran towards the danger, alone, confronted a rampaging knife man, eliminated the threat, & managed to administer first aid right after.
If you’re looking for a hero today, you need look no further.#BondiJunction #Australia pic.twitter.com/k18nccXgYJ— Khabri_Prasang (@Prasang_) April 13, 2024
“As she continued to walk quickly behind him to catch up, he turned, faced her and picked up a knife. She fired and that person is now dead.”
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#Sydney #attack #linked #terrorism