SYDNEY — A man who fatally stabbed five people at a mall was shot and killed by police in Bondi, a beachside suburb of Sydney, authorities said Saturday.
The incident prompted hundreds to flee the scene at Westfield Bondi Junction shopping center.
New South Wales Police Assistant Commissioner Anthony Cooke reported that the assailant was confronted and shot by a police officer after attacking nine people.
“She discharged a firearm, and the assailant is now deceased. I am advised that there are five victims who are deceased as a result of this offender’s actions,” Cooke said during a press conference.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, addressing the incident, indicated that the motive behind the attack was still unknown. “This was a horrific act of violence, indiscriminately targeting innocent people as they went about their regular Saturday activities,” Albanese stated. “Tonight, the thoughts of all Australians are with the victims of these terrible acts.”
Australia enforces some of the strictest gun and knife regulations in the world, making such violent attacks uncommon.
