A horrific incident unfolded on the first day of school holidays at Bondi Junction Westfield in Sydney. A man armed with a 30cm-long hunting knife began randomly attacking shoppers in the mall. Panic spread among shoppers as they locked themselves in store rooms, hid in change rooms, or fled to exits. Witnesses described the attacker as scattered and chaotic, not targeting anyone personally. Two victims were stabbed in Myer, with fellow shoppers stepping in to try and stop the bleeding.
Videos taken by shoppers showed a man confronting the attacker with a bollard from the top of an escalator, leading to him being hailed as a hero by onlookers. The attacker, wearing an Australian rugby league jersey, appeared to be swiping at people indiscriminately. Multiple gunshots were also heard on level five, believed to have been fired by police. The centre was locked down and surrounded by police cars and ambulances from across Sydney.
Huma Hussainy and Mohamad Naveed, who were shopping at lululemon, witnessed the attacker walking confidently and coolly while swiping at people indiscriminately. They saw two girls lying in pools of blood outside Cotton On, with one appearing to be about 17 years old. Geoff Young, who arrived at the centre with his toddler, stumbled upon a shocking scene near Country Road where people were lying on the ground bleeding.
The female inspector from Eastern Suburbs, who arrived at the scene by herself, approached the attacker and fatally shot him when he turned on her with the knife. She then applied CPR and was praised for her courage and bravery. The alterations shop owner, Rakesh Sanga, saw the attacker being confronted by police and throwing the knife before being shot. Federal Labor leader Anthony Albanese paid tribute to the injured and first responders, highlighting the bravery of Australians in the face of danger.
The attack led to Westfield Bondi Junction being closed on the following day as police continued to examine the crime scene. The incident left shoppers traumatized and reeling, with many expressing shock and disbelief at the events that unfolded. The heroic actions of bystanders and first responders were praised, showcasing the strength and unity of the community during times of crisis. The investigation into the attack is ongoing as authorities work to piece together the events of that fateful day.
