In a tragic incident near Bondi Beach in Sydney, Australia, five people have been killed and several others, including a baby, are critically injured after a stabbing spree at a shopping center. The attacker, acting alone, was confronted and shot dead by a female police officer.
Authorities confirmed that there is no longer a threat to the public, although the suspect’s identity and motive remain unknown. The attack prompted the evacuation of hundreds of people from the Westfield Bondi Junction shopping center.
Assistant Commissioner Anthony Cooke of the New South Wales Police Force provided details, explaining that the attacker initially entered the center, left, and then returned later in the afternoon, engaging with multiple individuals before being confronted by the police officer on the fifth level.
The wounded, including a child, were transported to hospitals for treatment.
Witnesses described scenes of chaos and fear, with one individual recounting hiding and hearing gunshots, fearing for their life. Another witness, an ABC sound engineer, described seeking refuge in a locked store during the incident.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese expressed condolences for the victims and praised the bravery of first responders and civilians who intervened during the crisis. The incident, described as unprecedented by Mr. Cooke, has prompted a critical incident response, and further updates are expected as the situation unfolds.
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