Sydney, attack in a shopping mall: 6 dead. The assailant killed. “Terrorism excluded”

Fatal attack in the Westfield shopping center in Bondi Junction, in the eastern area of ​​Sydney, Australia: a man armed with a knife killed six people and injured others, including a nine-month-old baby. The incident triggered an immediate response from the New South Wales Police Force and the evacuation of the entire area […]

Fatal attack in shopping mall Westfield at Bondi Junctionin the eastern area of Sydneyin Australia: a man armed with a knife has killed six people and injured others, including a nine-month-old baby. The incident triggered an immediate response from the New South Wales Police Force and the evacuation of the entire commercial area. The man suddenly pounced on some present. Among the injured was also a nine month old baby, hospitalized in serious condition. The mother, a 30-year-old woman, died in hospital. The assailant was killed by an officer at whom he had pointed the weapon. They intervened on site many ambulances and police cars. Witness Roi Huberman told ABC that he took refuge in a shop and saw people leaving the shopping center in tears.

The investigations – The New South Wales police, who initially had not ruled out that the attack could be a terrorist attack, have officially announced that “it is not a terrorist incident”. The police commissioner Karen Webb explaining at the press conference that the killer “is a 40-year-old man” who was known to the police. Saying he was “very sad about what happened,” Webb added that “there’s no need to worry anymore. We believe this person acted alone and that there is no threat to the community.” Regarding the policewoman who shot and killed the assailant, Webb said she was “fine, considering the circumstances. Hshowed enormous courage and audacity” and “she will be formally questioned tomorrow”.

The condolence – The Acting Australian Premier of New South Wales, Penny Sharpeshe said to herself “shocked” by what happened: “My thoughts and those of the NSW Government are at this time with the victims, their families and first responders, as well as those who may have witnessed these horrific events,” he said in a statement. “I receive regular updates from NSW Police and emergency services, as well as the Department of the Premier. I will receive a formal briefing shortly.” The Prime Minister of Australia, Anthony Albanese, expressed “shock and dismay. For all of us tonight, the shocking scenes at Bondi Junction are beyond words and beyond understanding,” the Labor Prime Minister commented.