Sydney stabbing: 6 dead, suspect killed in attack at major shopping mall

LONDON -- At least six people were killed in a knife attack on Saturday at a shopping mall near Bondi Beach in Sydney, Australia, police confirmed. The attacker was shot dead by a responding officer.

Police said a nine-month-old baby is among the eight others who were injured in the stabbing attack.

The suspect was identified as a 40-year-old male and his attack is not thought to be terror-related, New South Wales Police Commissioner Karen Webb said during a press conference on Saturday.

The police "don't have fears for that person holding an ideation, in other words, that it's not a terrorism incident," Webb said.

Five women and one man were identified as the victims of the attack.

Webb said there was "no suggestion" anyone was targeted in the attack. "We will only know that in time," she said.

"A critical incident has commenced following the shooting of male at Bondi Junction. Just before 4pm (Saturday 13 April 2024), emergency services were called to Westfield Bondi Junction following reports of multiple people stabbed," said New South Wales (NSW) Police in a statement following the incident. "People are urged to avoid the area. Inquiries are continuing in relation to the incident and there are no further details."

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese released a statement shortly after the attack.

"I have been briefed by the AFP on the devastating events at Bondi Junction. Tragically, multiple casualties have been reported and the first thoughts of all Australians are with those affected and their loved ones," said Albanese. "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."

White House National Security spokesperson Adrienne Watson commented on the attack in Sydney, saying that the White House stands "with the people of Australia during this difficult time" and wishing a "speedy recovery" to those who were injured.

"Our thoughts are with the families of those who lost their lives in the horrible attack in Sydney, Australia, & we wish a speedy recovery to those who suffered injuries," Watson said in a social media post.