Police report 5 fatalities in Sydney mall stabbing incident, assailant fatally shot

Five people were killed and several others injured, including a small child, in a horrific knife attack at a busy Sydney shopping center on Saturday. The attacker, armed with a knife, went on a rampage through the Westfield Bondi Junction mall complex, targeting innocent shoppers.

The assailant, who remains unidentified, was shot dead by a policewoman at the scene. The motive behind the attack is still unclear, but authorities have not ruled out the possibility of terrorism.

Witnesses described scenes of panic and chaos as shoppers scrambled to safety and police worked to secure the area. Security camera footage showed a man wearing an Australian rugby league jersey running around the shopping center with a large knife, leaving injured people lying on the floor.

Several people sought shelter in shops to protect themselves and their loved ones. Eyewitnesses recounted the terrifying moments of running and screaming as the attack unfolded.

As night fell, the area was swarmed with police and ambulances, with stretchers ready to transport the injured to nearby hospitals. The mall was placed on lockdown, and authorities urged the public to avoid the area.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese expressed sadness and shock over the incident, offering thoughts and prayers to those affected by the tragedy. Such violent attacks are rare in Australia, a country known for its low rates of violent crime.

The community is left reeling from this senseless act of violence, as investigations continue to uncover the motives behind this tragic event.