At least six people have been killed in a stabbing attack at a shopping mall in Sydney, Australia, that was followed by a police officer fatally shooting the suspect, according to police.
New South Wales Police Commissioner Karen Webb said those killed were five women and one man. Of these, one woman died in hospital from her injuries, while the others died at the scene.
Eight people, including a nine-month old child, were rushed to hospital with injuries in the attack, The Sydney Morning Herald reported.
New South Wales Police Assistant Commissioner Anthony Cooke said a lone attacker had walked into a restaurant at Westfield Bondi Junction at about 3.10 p.m. local time Saturday.
He left the center and returned 10 minutes later when "he engaged with about nine people" during which he stabbed them "with a weapon he was carrying."
A police officer "confronted the offender" who turned to her and raised a knife. "She discharged a firearm and that person is now deceased," Cooke said.
The motive for the attack was unclear.
Police declared a critical incident at Westfield Bondi Junction just before 4 p.m. and hundreds of people were evacuated from the shopping mall.
"We are still urging people not to go the area," a spokesman for New South Wales Police told Newsweek.
One witness said they saw a woman lying on the ground and had hidden herself in a jewelry store. "It is the worst thing ever, who does that to people?" one unnamed woman standing outside the mall said in an interview on Sky News.
"I didn't see him because I was running, it was insane, it was just insanity," she said, "I just thought I was going to die." A male witness in the mall said he heard five gunshots and then silence.
Brendan Blomeley, who was with his two children inside the Westfield when he heard two shots, told Australia's ABC, "It was frightening, it was harrowing," and that he and his family cowered in a store with hundreds of other people. "It was just one of those situations you wouldn't wish upon anybody," he said.
I have been briefed by the AFP on the devastating events at Bondi Junction.
— Anthony Albanese (@AlboMP) April 13, 2024
Tragically, multiple casualties have been reported and the first thoughts of all Australians are with those affected and their loved ones.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese wrote on X, "Tragically, multiple casualties have been reported and the first thoughts of all Australians are with those affected and their loved ones."
"Our hearts go out to those injured and we offer our thanks to those caring for them as well as our brave police and first responders."
Albanese later said at a press conference that authorities would conduct a full investigation and that it appeared that the attacker had "acted alone".
"The motives are not known yet, and speculation on that would not be helpful at this time," he added.
In a statement, Penny Sharpe, the acting premier of the state of New South Wales, said "I am shocked at reports of multiple casualties at Bondi Junction late this afternoon.
"My thoughts and those of the NSW Government are with the victims, their families and first responders at this time, as well as those who may have witnessed these horrific events."
Update 04/13/24, 4:51 a.m. ET: This article has been updated with further information.
Update 04/13/24, 6:45 a.m. ET: This article has been updated with a new death toll and further information.
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