A knife attack at the Westfield Bondi Junction shopping centre in Sydney on Saturday afternoon has left six people dead and several others wounded, including a nine-month-old baby. The attacker, identified as Joel Cauchi, was shot dead by a lone police officer after lunging at her with a knife.
The incident began around 3:30pm local time when Cauchi entered the mall, left briefly, and then returned, engaging with approximately nine people. Shopping centres were evacuated as hundreds fled in panic. Witnesses reported seeing the attacker carrying a large blade and wearing a rugby league shirt.
Among the victims is first-time mother Ashlee Good, who handed her baby to members of the public after being fatally stabbed. The baby underwent surgery and is reported to be doing well. Other victims include security guard Faraz Tahir, architect Jade Young, and Dawn Singleton, daughter of businessman John Singleton. Pikria Darchia, an artist, has also been named as a victim.
New South Wales Police confirmed that Cauchi was known to law enforcement. Seven people are confirmed dead, including the attacker. Eight others remain in hospital. The motive is under investigation.
