Summary
Seven people have died in a stabbing attack at Bondi Junction Westfield, a six-level shopping centre in Sydney’s east, including the attacker, who was shot dead by police. Here is what we know so far:
Police have identified the attacker as 40-year-old Queensland man Joel Cauchi.
They said the attack was not terror-related and that Cauchi had known mental health issues. He was known to police in Queensland, but not for significant offences. It is believed he came to New South Wales last month.
Five of the dead were women and one was a man, the NSW police commissioner, Karen Webb, said.
A lone police officer who was nearby tracked him through the centre before shooting him dead when he turned and raised his knife at her. She was later identified by police as Insp Amy Scott.
The centre remained closed on Sunday and a crime scene has been established.
Fourth victim named as Jade Young
Jade Young, 47, has been identified as another victim of the Bondi Junction stabbing.
Police have distributed this image of Young with the permission of her family.
Updated
Flags to fly at half mast on NSW landmarks
New South Wales will fly the Australian and Aboriginal flags at half mast on key landmarks from Sunday to Monday 15 April to mark the loss of life in the Bondi Junction killings.
The Sydney Opera House and Parliament House will be among the landmarks, with the Opera House sails to be lit with a black ribbon from 6pm on Monday.
Updated
Another victim identified as security guard Faraz Tahir
A security guard killed during the Bondi Junction mass stabbing has been identified.
The Admadiyya Muslim Community of Australia says it is mourning the loss of Faraz Tahir, “a cherished member of our community and a dedicated security guard who tragically lost his life while serving the public during this attack”.
In a statement the organisation said Tahir, 30, had sought refugee in Australia a year ago after fleeing persecution in Pakistan.
He quickly became an integral part of our community, known for his unwavering dedication and kindness. Faraz was not only a valued member of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community of Australia but also actively contributed to the charitable endeavours of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Youth organisation.
Our thoughts and prayers are with Faraz’s family and loved ones during this difficult time, as well as with all the other victims and their families affected by this senseless act of violence. We extend our deepest condolences and stand in solidarity with the broader community as we come together to support one another in the face of tragedy.
An Ahmadiyya Muslim Community Australia member told Guardian Australia Tahir did not have family in Australia and the organisation had been informed of his death by NSW police.
Updated
The New South Wales governor, Margaret Beazley, is paying her respects to those killed in the Bondi stabbing attack. She has laid flowers at a memorial near the shopping centre and left a message in a condolence book.
Updated
Second victim named as Dawn Singleton
Dawn Singleton, 25, has been identified as the second victim of the stabbing spree in Bondi Junction yesterday.
Singleton’s employer, the fashion label White Fox Boutique, posted a social media tribute to the e-commerce assistant on Sunday.
Over the weekend we lost not only an employee ... but someone special to us who felt like a family member. We are all truly devastated by this loss. Dawn was a sweet, kind-hearted person who had her whole life ahead of her.
She was really amazing. We send our love and deepest condolences to her partner, the Singleton family and her friends.
She will always be remembered as part of the White Fox family.
Dawn is reportedly the daughter of prominent Australian businessman John Singleton and lawyer Julie Martin.
Updated
Police piece together background of Bondi Junction killer
Queensland man Joel Cauchi has been named by police as the attacker who stabbed six people to death and seriously wounded 12 others including an infant at the Westfield shopping centre in Sydney’s Bondi Junction.
Police believe Cauchi, 40, had mental health problems and that he had moved to New South Wales only a month before he took a knife into the crowded mall on Saturday afternoon and went on an unprovoked stabbing spree.
Guardian Australia understands Cauchi did not have a fixed address in Sydney and that police do not believe he knew any of his victims.
The NSW police assistant commissioner Anthony Cooke disclosed Cauchi’s identity at a press conference on Sunday morning:
We are continuing to work through the profiling of the offender but very clearly to us at this stage it will appear related to the mental health of the individual.
There is still to this point nothing – no information we have received, no evidence we’ve recovered, no intelligence that we have gathered – that would suggest that this was driven by any particular motivation, ideology or otherwise.
For more on what we currently know about Joel Cauchi, read the full report by Guardian Australia reporters Catie McLeod and Eden Gillepsie.
Updated
NSW police have named the man who killed five women and one man at Bondi Junction in a mass stabbing incident on Saturday as Joel Cauchi, a 40-year-old from Queensland.
Assistant police commissioner Anthony Cooke has reiterated that there is ‘no information we have received, no evidence we have recovered, no intelligence we have gathered’ to indicate the attack was motivated by ideology or terrorism
Melbourne landmarks to be lit up in tribute
The Victorian government will light up landmarks on Sunday in tribute to the victims of the killings in Bondi Junction, the premier, Jacinta Allan, has announced.
Tonight, monuments across our state will be lit-up in tribute to those lost in yesterday's horrific events in Bondi.
— Jacinta Allan (@JacintaAllanMP) April 14, 2024
Nothing we can do or say can help make sense of this senseless tragedy. But Victorians are sending love and light to the people of NSW in this moment of darkness.
The following buildings will be participating in this tonight’s light-up in white from dusk:
Federation Square
National Gallery of Victoria
MCG
Kardinia/GMHBA Park
Arts Centre Melbourne
Bolte Bridge
Updated
CCTV shows Cauchi ordering lunch in Oxford Street mall
Footage provided to Guardian Australia shows Joel Cauchi ordering his lunch at Saigon Noodle in the Oxford Street mall, about three hours before he began his attack.
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Updated
Psychological society head: ‘grief, shock, horror and fear will be widespread’
The head of the Australian Psychological Society, Dr Catriona Davis-McCabe, has issued a statement extending her deepest condolences to “the victims and all people affected by the tragic events” at Bondi Junction on Sunday.
This event will have a profound and lifelong impact on all people involved, including victims, first responders, witnesses, members of the community and members of the media reporting on the tragedy. Feelings such as immense grief, shock, horror and fear will be widespread in the community. These feelings are normal to experience, and it can take a few days, weeks or even months to recover from a traumatic event.
Many of the brave people who helped at the scene or witnessed the incident will be in a state of shock, which is likely to continue for some time.
It is crucial to prioritise psychological support and resources for those affected to navigate through the coming days, weeks and years.
It is also important not to speculate at this time regarding the cause or motivation of the attack, and trust that further information will be uncovered and communicated by the police and authorities when formal investigations have been completed.
The statement also contains a checklist of advice and resources to help people respond to what has taken place if they are struggling themselves, or struggling to explain what happened to their children.
Davis-McCabe also praised the police officer, first responders and members of the community who “so bravely put their own lives at risk to save and care for others”.
Updated
Anthony Albanese has arrived at Bondi Westfield shopping centre with the NSW premier, Chris Minns, the local federal MP, Allegra Spender, and other local leaders to lay flowers for the victims.
They are not expected to make further statements but we’ll let you know if that changes.
Updated
‘The community is on edge’ – Waverley mayor
As people queued to sign a condolences book set up by the premier’s department close to a growing floral tribute to the victims, one of those reeling after the attacks was the Waverley mayor, Paula Masselos.
“We’re still trying to process it,” she said, steps from the entrance to the Westfield shopping centre.
It’s outside people’s frame of reference. There is shock and disbelief.
The fact that so many people are hanging around and want to be here shows they want to share and support the community.
The community is on edge. The more we can help them to process this and reassure them, [the better]. It’s important to remember he acted alone. The threat has ended and he did not have an ideology. We think it is mental health related.
She will be part of a multi-agency meeting including political leaders on Sunday afternoon, where the management of resources and a coordinated approach will be on the agenda, she said.
Trauma counsellors, Rabbi Mendel Kastel and the Salvation Army were all on hand to comfort the community, she said.
Laying flowers allows people the opportunity to do something physical [in support of the community].
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North Melbourne offer ‘love and support’ to Ash Good’s family
North Melbourne Football Club has expressed its “deepest sympathies” to the Good family following the death of Ashlee Good and her baby girl, who is currently in critical condition.
Good was the daughter of past player and former board member Kerry Good and his wife Denise. She is the second of four children who was “known and loved by many in the North Melbourne community.”
The North Melbourne president, Dr Sonja Hood, said those connected to North Melbourne were tremendously saddened by the news.
Like all Australians, we were horrified to see the awful details coming out of Sydney on Saturday.
To learn later that Ashlee and her daughter were victims in this tragedy really brings something like this close to home.
Our thoughts and condolences go to all those impacted by the awful events, especially to Ashlee’s partner Daniel Flanagan, Kerry and Dian, Ashlee’s mother Denise, and Ashlee’s extended family and friends.
Kerry and his family are incredibly important people in our club’s history and we offer them our love and support through what is an unimaginably difficult time.
The Good family have accepted the club’s offer for North Melbourne players to wear black armbands in honour of Ashlee in the match against Geelong on Sunday afternoon.
Kerry Good played 74 games for the Kangaroos from 1977 to 83 and served as a director during North Melbourne’s successful run in the 1990s.
Updated
Cauchi believed to have had an interest in knives
Lowe has described Cauchi as a 40-year-old single man with no family and no known employment. His parents were aware he was interstate but do not have regular contact with him. It is believed he had an interest in knives.
Police are aware of an incident that took place in early 2023 involving his family when authorities were called, but Cauchi was never charged with an offence relating to a knife and never been found in possession of a knife that is unlawful and would lead to prosecution.
Lowe also says Queensland police are not aware of any links to conservative Christian groups.
I can reaffirm that the NSW police force, as the lead agency in this investigation, have spoken on that there is no ideology that would suggest this matter is has a religious focus.
Updated
Cauchi diagnosed with a mental illness at 17, says Lowe
Lowe says Cauchi had been diagnosed with a mental illness at age 17 and had undergone treatment over the years.
Police will travel up here in the very near future to obviously speak to the family as part of their investigation. We have people in our society who suffer from mental health. They go about their days without trouble, without causing these type of crimes. Mental health in society is not a crime and we do not run an intelligence regime on persons who suffer from mental health. There would only be an exchange of information if a person were to present such a security risk in society, that would we would need to monitor that behaviour.
His family have limited contact with him – the extent of contact amounted to occasionally answering a text message. The last contact he had with his family was in March.
Lowe says Cauchi’s family contacted police after viewing footage of the attack at Westfield as they believed it may have been their relative.
Updated
Attacker had not been arrested on domestic violence-related issues
Asked whether Cauchi had a record of domestic violence, Lowe says the man had not been arrested or prosecuted for any domestic violence-related threats.
Pressed on whether there were any other encounters outside the courts, Lowe said no orders were in place.
Updated
Cauchi known to be itinerant – Queensland police
Queensland police say there is no intelligence of increased concerns or an ongoing threat to shopping centres but they have temporarily increased their presence as a precaution.
Responding to questions about Cauchi, they say he has been known to be itinerant, moving from Brisbane to Kangaroo Point, Carina and back to his family’s resident at different times.
The last interaction with police took place in 2023 where he was street checked on the Gold Coast.
Police believe he has been sleeping in a vehicle, according to his family, who do not have regular contact with him.
Updated
Stabber Joel Cauchi's family offer condolences to victims' families
Queensland police acting assistant commissioner Roger Lowe says Joel Cauchi was known to police but had not been arrested or criminally convicted over the last four to five years.
Police say they have had limited contact with Cauchi during that period but they are aware that he suffered from issues relating to his mental health.
We are liaising with this man’s family in Queensland and we have spent yesterday evening with his family delivering the message regarding their son and assisting them with regards to providing information to the NSW police force.
The family have cooperated with the Queensland police service in this regard and they are issuing a statement on their behalf with respect to their own condolences and thoughts to the family and friends of those victims involved in this tragedy.
Equally they have sent a message to the NSW police force with respect to support of the police officer who has killed their son and expressing their concerns for her welfare.
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‘It’s too close to home’: residents and officials pay respects
The usual buses, taxis and weekend bustle were replaced by scores of police vehicles and a sombre, bewildered atmosphere in Bondi Junction on Sunday morning.
The New South Wales premier, Chris Minns, was joined by the police commissioner, Karen Webb, local federal MP, Allegra Spender, and Waverley mayor, Paula Masselos, as he spoke of the “extreme courage of complete strangers” during the knife attack that killed six people on Saturday afternoon.
Just steps away from the premier was a fast-growing tribute to victims as reeling residents lay bouquets in honour of those who lost their lives during an ordinary shopping trip.
One of those who laid flowers was Bondi Junction retiree Paul Rondeau, 67.
“I felt I was drawn here, I just had to pay my respects,” he said after placing a bunch of hyacinths on the pile at the intersection of Oxford Street and Grosvenor Street, metres from the entrance to the Westfield centre.
I live down the block and after three, all hell broke loose. Every emergency vehicle in Sydney, it seemed, was going by. It was very rattling. I grew up in New York City and that’s where you expect to see things like this. This is the last place you expect it. It’s a real shock.
Creative and Queens Park resident Rosie Macken, 54, placed a watercolour painting of flowers and hearts near the tributes.
“I was here yesterday when the Swat teams arrived,” she said, crying.
I came here this morning and I just sobbed. It just hits you - it could have been anyone. It’s too close to home.
Her painting includes six hearts for those who lost their lives, alongside the words: “Fly high innocent angels.” On the back, she wrote: “So devastating, so sad, rest in peace.”
Another bunch of flowers was accompanied by the message:
Our hearts and prayers r with all of you.
Updated
More images of the growing flower memorial on Oxford Street mall near the Westfield shopping centre in Bondi Junction.
Alleged attacker ‘confused when he ordered’ lunch
The alleged perpetrator calmly ate a lunch of red curry chicken with rice hours before stabbing and killing six people and injuring 12 more.
Rogate Sianipar, 29, served Joel Cauchi his lunch at Saigon Noodle in Oxford Street mall, about 100m from Westfield, at about midday on Saturday.
He came at 10am but didn’t have any money so came back at 12. He seemed confused when he ordered. Normal but confused. He opened his wallet and paid.
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‘Human error’: Seven sorry for wrongly naming attacker
Seven has apologised for naming the wrong person as the Bondi Junction attacker.
The incorrect name appeared on the Seven News website, where he was called a “lone wolf attacker” and in a caption on the outlet’s YouTube channel. The YouTube video has since been made private. He was also named on air early on Sunday morning.
“The mistake was human error,” a Seven spokesperson said.
It was escalated immediately and rectified. Seven sincerely apologises for the error.
Screenshots from the website including the incorrect name were circulated widely on X before the piece was altered.
Police have identified the attacker as 40-year-old Queensland man Joel Cauchi.
Updated
'Hundreds of deaths' if attacker had gun, PM says
While acknowledging an extraordinary tragedy and sending condolences to victims and their loved ones, Anthony Albanese has gone on to praise Australia’s strong gun laws as an important part of such events being relatively rare in Australia.
“This man wielded a deadly weapon, in the form of a knife, but if it was an automatic gun, then we would have been speaking about hundreds of deaths,” the PM said on ABC radio.
It is an important reminder of how important it is that we do have strong gun laws in this country.
Albanese declined to weigh into a conversation about whether the stabbing incident made a case for tougher security at public places like shopping centres.
It’s time to express our condolences for those who have suffered. There will be a time for an appropriate, considered response to any security lessons that need to be learned from an incident such as this. An incident like this will provoke a necessary review that should be done in a considered way.
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PM praises courage of those who confronted attacker
Albanese has praised the bravery and courage of those who confronted the attacker behind the Bondi stabbing.
On ABC radio, he specifically named the police inspector who stopped the attacker, and the other “extraordinarily professional” police involved in investigating and responding, but also ordinary citizens who were captured on video trying to ward off the perpetrator.
The fellow who was holding up the bollard to stop this guy [attacker] going up the escalator.
At the worst of times, we do see some extraordinary acts.
Albanese also mentioned the media, acknowledging that there was some responsible reporting and that most outlets didn’t “speculate ... without detail”.
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Albanese travelling to Sydney to lay wreath at memorial site
The prime minister, Anthony Albanese, is travelling to Sydney from Canberra this afternoon, where he will lay flowers at a growing memorial site for the Bondi Junction victims. He joined ABC Sydney radio this afternoon, saying he heard the news yesterday afternoon while on his way to Canberra for meetings.
Albanese said it was “uncertain for some time about how many perpetrators there were, whether there was one or two, and what the nature of this terrible event was”.
The PM says he’ll lay a wreath at a memorial site for the dead, alongside NSW premier Chris Minns and local federal MP Allegra Spender:
We’ll be united in our grief and solidarity for those who’ve lost loved ones ... That’s why it’s important we reach out and wrap our arms around each other today and in the days ahead.
Updated
Queensland police assistant commissioner Roger Lowe will address media on events at Bondi Junction at 1pm local time.
As there is an active investigation, police can only provided limited information at this stage.
Updated
Summary
Seven people have died in a stabbing attack at Bondi Junction Westfield, a six-level shopping centre in Sydney’s east, including the attacker, who was shot dead by police.
Police have identified the attacker as 40-year-old Queensland man Joel Cauchi.
They said the attack was not terror-related and that Cauchi had known mental health issues. He was known to police in Queensland, but not for significant offences. It is believed he came to New South Wales last month.
Five of the dead were women and one was a man, the NSW police commissioner, Karen Webb, said.
Twelve people were being treated in hospital on Saturday night, including a nine-month-old baby, who remains in a critical condition, and some with critical injuries.
The mother of the baby was among the dead, police sources said.
Two of those caught up in the attack are believed to be from overseas, with police attempting to contact their families through partner organisations.
Police were called to the popular shopping centre at 3.30pm following reports multiple people had been stabbed. Hundreds of people were hiding inside shops and storerooms as a man wielding what witnesses described as a “big blade” attacked shoppers.
A lone police officer who was nearby tracked him through the centre before shooting him dead when he turned and raised his knife at her. She was later identified by police as Insp Amy Scott.
The prime minister, Anthony Albanese, praised Scott, saying “she is certainly a hero. There is no doubt that she saved lives through her action.”
The centre will remain closed on Sunday and a crime scene has been established.
The Wentworth federal MP, Allegra Spender, has asked the public to respect the privacy of the victims, particularly the mother who was killed while trying to protect her baby.
A debriefing of 40 paramedics was held on Sunday.
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Premier urges discretion on sharing graphic images
Minns has asked the public to exercise “discretion” with their activity on social media, particularly around the sharing of graphic images and video from the incident.
I think people are going to have to use absolute discretion here. This has been a devastating crime scene. It’s horrifying for those that have gone through it. Obviously, the footage from it will be incredibly confronting. So I’d urge people to use caution about it.
For parents right now, it’s particularly important to be vigilant about what your kids are consuming on social media because there is unfiltered, unedited graphic imagery on social media at the moment. And once you see it once, it’s not possible to erase it from your memory.
Updated
Investigation ‘very, very complex’ and will take time, Karen Webb says
Webb says questions about whether the attacker was targeting women at Bondi Junction will be part of the investigation into the killings.
However, the commissioner says she would not call the incident an “act of terrorism”, saying it would be “stretching it” in terms of a definition as it was “really too early to say”.
When more information is available, we will give it. But as it will take days, I really need to stress people need to be patient. This is not only a mass murder, it’s also a critical incident investigation where an officer has discharged their firearm. So it’s very, very complex. And it will take time.
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Minns: ‘I’m devastated that those families and those kids have had to grow up so quickly.’
Minns says he has not spoken directly to victims’ families but is leaving it to NSW police to make initial contact.
Asked what advice he would give to parents with kids, the premier says he has been moved by the stories and images that have been shared, including images of a man shielding his kids’ eyes as they walked out of the shopping centre.
And you’d never think that you have to go through that in 2024, in a mainstream shopping centre, on the first day of school holidays and I’m devastated that those families and those kids have had to grow up so quickly.
All I can say to them is that this city and this state is strong. There are wonderful people within it.
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Webb: ‘there’s no ideological motivation’ to attacker
Webb is answering questions now about the attacker, reiterating that “there’s no ideological motivation” and that police “do understand there is a history of mental health”.
She says that it is too early to establish a motive but that his activities in recent days, weeks and months may help establish how the attack unfolded.
Webb will not be drawn on what police found at the small storage unit where the attacker was living, saying only that “whatever is in it will be part of the investigation”.
She says NSW police are working with Queensland authorities in regards to the attacker.
I just think it’s important to note that the premier of Queensland has made contact with me and opened up all the resources of the Queensland government for this investigation, and it sounds like we’ll need it. So that’s very encouraging.
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Minns moved by people’s bravery
Minns says he “doesn’t want to search for a silver lining” as “there aren’t too many positives to take out of a horrifying event”, but says he has been moved by the stories of bravery that have been shared in the media.
It has been incredible to see complete strangers jump in, run towards the danger, put their own lives in harm’s way to save someone that they’ve never met before.
Minns has also praised “the instinctive bravery” of Insp Amy Scott, the officer who intervened to end the attack.
I’m sure, she’ll speak for herself, but running towards the danger, I mean, exemplifying the very best of public service in this state. She’s a career police officer. She’s with her family today, which is important. But this state owes her an enormous debt of gratitude.
And I’m sure that there’s many committees to run through before someone’s actually given a hero award or a bravery award. But I think we can call it: this is outstanding courage. And bravery under incredibly difficult circumstances. And her actions yesterday saved many, many lives.
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Site remains ‘very active crime scene’ – Webb
The NSW police commissioner, Karen Webb, says the site of the stabbing attack remains a “very active crime scene” with investigators working overnight and through Sunday.
This will be an active investigation for many days and perhaps weeks while we identify not only the movement of the offender, not just yesterday, but the hours, the days, the weeks, his life leading up to yesterday. And it will take some time to work with the families.
Webb says a family liaison officer has been appointed to work with each family.
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Chris Minns says Amy Scott 'saved many, many lives'
Minns says many in the community “will feel real anger” and that the state will grieve in the following days.
But it’s very important to say that NSW will bounce back. We’re a strong community and if I could point and highlight some of that strength in the last 24 hours, firstly for the doctors and the paramedics as well as the nurses in our public hospitals that worked around the clock to save lives and did an amazing job in difficult circumstances, to the ordinary members of the public that cornered and confronted a murderer in the Westfield shopping centre, showing what I would call instinctive bravery under terrible circumstances.
And of course, Insp Amy Scott, who ran towards danger, showed professionalism and bravery and without a shadow of the doubt, saved many, many lives in the last 24 hours.
I know that many people because of the number of those that have been killed, may take cold comfort from this fact, but nonetheless, it is a fact, and that is that the best in this state confronted one of the worst acts we’ve ever seen. And we’re very, very grateful for the men and women that stood up in Bondi Junction in the last day.
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Sydney has suffered a ‘horrifying violent attack’ – premier
The NSW premier, Chris Minns, says Sydney has “suffered a horrifying and violent attack on innocent people”.
The individual stories of those who’ve been killed, the complete strangers rushing in to help, as well as acts of courage, and bravery mean that whether you know the individuals who’ve been killed or not, you’re grieving today, and the entire state will have to get behind those families in the days ahead as they recover and they go through the inevitable grief associated with such a horrifying, horrifying event.
Updated
The New South Wales premier, Chris Minns, is expected to address media at 11.15am.
The premier was on holiday in Tokyo at the time of the attack and has cut his holiday short, booking an immediate flight to return home.
We will bring you the latest as it happens.
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Killed mother’s family ‘reeling from the terrible loss’
The family of Ashlee Good, who was killed in the Bondi Junction stabbing attack yesterday, say they are “reeling from the terrible loss” as they confirmed her baby is “doing well”.
Good, 38, died after trying to save her baby and reportedly used her final strength to pass the infant over to receive treatment.
In a statement, the family confirmed the baby girl’s condition had improved after undergoing “hours” of surgery.
To the two men who held and cared for our baby when Ashlee could not – words cannot express our gratitude.
The family described Good as “a beautiful mother, daughter, sister, partner, friend, all round outstanding human and so much more”.
The family urged the media to respect their privacy and said they are “struggling to come to terms with what has occurred”.
We appreciate the well-wishes and thoughts of members of the Australian public who have expressed an outpouring of love for Ashlee and our baby girl.
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‘Australia is family’: world leaders pay tribute to victims
Here are a few of the reactions by international leaders to the mass stabbing:
Australia is family. So all New Zealanders are thinking of those affected by the tragic events in Bondi, especially the family and friends of those killed today. Exceptional courage from NSW police, first responders and members of the public.
– New Zealand prime minister Christopher Luxon
My wife and I were utterly shocked and horrified to hear of the tragic stabbing incident in Bondi. Our hearts go out to the families and loved ones of those who have been so brutally killed during such a senseless attack. While details of these shocking circumstances are still emerging, our thoughts are also with those who were involved in the response, and we give thanks for the bravery of the first responders and emergency services.
- King Charles
We are shocked and saddened by the terrible events in Sydney earlier today. Our thoughts are with all those affected, including the loved ones of those lost and the heroic emergency responders who risked their own lives to save others.
– Prince William and Princess Catherine
The horrific attacks at Bondi Junction are truly devastating. My heart goes out to those affected by this abhorrent act of violence, and I pray for the recovery of those left injured and traumatised today. You are in the thoughts and prayers of the British people.
– UK prime minister Rishi Sunak
His Holiness Pope Francis was deeply saddened to learn of the violent attack in Sydney, and he sends the assurance of his spiritual closeness to all affected by this senseless tragedy, especially those who are now mourning the loss of a loved one. He likewise offers his prayers for the dead, the injured, as well as the first responders, and invokes upon the nation the divine blessings of consolation and strength.
– The Vatican
– AAP
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Police release latest details on mass stabbing
Here are the details on those injured from the latest NSW police press release on events at Bondi Junction:
Twelve others – including nine women, two men and a nine-month-old child – suffering stab wounds, were treated by paramedics and taken to various Sydney hospitals.
A 38-year-old woman who was taken to St Vincent’s hospital in a critical condition has since died.
Police are aware that other people have also sought medical treatment for various injuries.
The shopping centre and surrounding streets remain closed, while the crime scene continues to be forensically examined.
A critical incident team comprising detectives attached to the state crime command’s homicide squad and the central metropolitan region have established Strike Force Mcauley to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident.
The investigation will also be subject to an independent review.
Updated
Residents have begun laying flowers at Bondi Junction as a memorial to those who died and were harmed during the mass stabbing on Saturday
Impact of attack to be felt for a long time, Allegra Spender says
The Wentworth federal MP, Allegra Spender, has written to her constituents about events at Bondi Junction.
The past few hours have been some of the most difficult our community has ever faced.
We are all devastated by the shocking attack at Bondi Junction, where innocent people were killed in a senseless act of violence. It is heartbreaking.
My heartfelt condolences go out to the victims, their families, and everyone who has been affected. Our thoughts are with each and every one of them.
Spender says she spoke with Anthony Albanese on Saturday night, who “shared his condolences with those affected, their loved ones, and our whole community”. She says she remains “in close contact” with the PM and police.
We will feel the impact of yesterday’s horrendous attack across our community for a long time.
But even in our darkest hour, there was light.
People at the Westfield Centre acted heroically, risking their own lives to save others. They supported each other in their most terrifying moments, showing incredible bravery and courage.
I want to thank all of those who supported and provided shelter to those in danger, including the police, first responders, shopkeepers, Westfield staff, and members of the public.
At a time when we saw the worst of humanity, they showed the best.
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Treasurer calls for calm after Iran attacks Israel
Moving away from Bondi for a moment, Chalmers has called for calm after Iran has launched strikes against Israel in retaliation for an attack on its embassy in Damascus by the Israeli Defence Forces a fortnight ago and says that Australia condemns the escalation.
These are incredibly concerning developments. We’ve seen enough bloodshed in the Middle East already. We don’t want to see more innocent lives lost in that part of the world, and it would be much better if the Iranians used their influence in the region to try and calm tensions rather than inflame them.
Iran launched hundreds of drones and cruise missiles at targets within Israel overnight.
Asked whether Australia stands with Israel, Chalmers says the action will only further inflame tensions.
We’ve made it clear through other spokespeople already out today that we condemn the actions of the Iranians. As I said, Iran can have a positive role to play in the region or a negative role to play in the region. This will inflame tensions further. Our big concern here is that we don’t want conflict in the Middle East to be broader and deeper than it already is. We’ve already seen enough lives lost and so that’s why these developments yesterday and overnight are incredibly concerning to all of us.
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Chalmers says Bondi attack ‘devastating, senseless and hard to fathom’
The federal treasurer, Jim Chalmers, has described the attack at Bondi Junction as “devastating, senseless and hard to fathom”.
I think everybody’s heart breaks for the loved ones of the victims, but also the workers and the witnesses who will remember that day for the rest of their lives, and we pay tribute to the police officer, all the first responders, indeed everybody who put themselves in harm’s way to try and limit the senseless carnage that we saw at Bondi Junction.
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People urged not to republish victim’s social media images
The family of a woman killed in the stabbing at Bondi Junction, and whose baby was critically injured, have asked for privacy. Specifically, they are asking people not to republish her personal images from social media.
Wentworth federal MP Allegra Spender says she has been contacted with the request and has made a public call for the public to respect the woman’s privacy.
Please respect the privacy of those affected by the tragedy at Bondi Junction.
— Allegra Spender (@spenderallegra) April 13, 2024
I have been contacted by Ash’s family. They have asked the media not to publish her personal images from social media. I ask the media and everyone to respect their wishes.
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‘A tragedy the likes we haven’t seen before’ – health minister
Park says there was a debrief at the Randwick ambulance station for the “40 odd” paramedics who were among the first on the scene.
They had professional counsellors and trauma support people there ready to provide that assistance, both overnight and in the oncoming days and weeks ahead. This is a tragedy the likes we haven’t seen before and a scale we haven’t seen before and therefore there is a huge impact on those frontline responders.
Park also says a recently formed crisis cabinet met at 6am this morning, including the police commissioner, Karen Webb, and other senior officials from across government agencies, including ambulance and health officials.
He says the priority of the government is ensuring first responders and those in the community get the support they need.
My messages are very simple one. If you need help, please seek help. Help will be provided. We will be having mental health staff down at Bondi over the course of the next few days to provide that support. People can access mental health support directly through the government. We don’t want people to suffer alone.
This is a very, very traumatic event and something that likes many people have not seen or witnessed before and we understand that can have a devastating impact on people’s mental health and well being.
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Injured baby in ‘critical condition’
The NSW health minister, Ryan Park, is speaking to the ABC to give an update on those being treated.
He says there are “around nine patients” transferred to hospitals across the Sydney CBD and another three people have arrived at hospital overnight on their own volition.
Park said he personally attended the children’s hospital in Randwick and spoke directly with the nurses and clinicians who are treating a nine-month-old baby who was injured in the attack.
She had surgery overnight and is currently in a critical condition and is in ICU. Now, we certainly are hoping that she gets through this but there is a long way to go and we will keep the community informed as to the update and status of patients that we also have to make sure that we are updating their family and loved ones first.
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PM praises ‘extraordinary’ bravery of those who confronted attacker
Albanese has also praised the “quite extraordinary” bravery of those who sought to intercept the man as the attack proceeded. The prime minister has described these individuals as “the best of Australians amidst this extraordinary tragedy”.
The PM says he has received messages of support from the US president, Joe Biden, the UK prime minister, Rishi Sunak, and the NZ prime minister, Christopher Luxon, overnight to express their condolences to Australians.
Albanese says the federal government will work with NSW authorities.
We want to make sure that people who need support including support for mental health in dealing with these trauma – these events were witnessed by thousands of people who were there shopping. This is a shopping centre that is very familiar to Sydneysiders. It is very large indeed and for people who were forced to be locked in shops, people who ran from danger, people who confronted that danger, many of them should ensure that if they need that assistance to talk these issues through to deal with this dreadful experience, then they should reach out and that support will be there.
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Anthony Albanese describes 'unspeakable violence' at Bondi Junction
The prime minister, Anthony Albanese, has described the violence at Bondi Junction as “unspeakable” and “just beyond comprehension”.
Australians are waking up to try to deal with the shock and trauma that will come with what has occurred, with violent actions that are unspeakable and really just beyond comprehension.
People going about their Saturday afternoon shopping should be safe, shouldn’t be at risk, but tragically we saw a loss of life and people will be grieving for loved ones today. We also know there are many people still in hospital dealing with a recovery and our thoughts and prayers are with them.
We also though at this time give thanks to our police and emergency services. The wonderful inspector who ran into danger by herself and removed the threat that was there to others, without thinking about the risks to herself.
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Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is expected to speak to the media shortly.
Attacker named by police as 40-year-old Joel Cauchi from Queensland
NSW police have named the man who killed five women and one man at Bondi Junction in a mass stabbing incident on Saturday as Joel Cauchi, a 40-year-old man from Queensland.
They have reiterated that there is no evidence Cauchi acted with “any particular ideology or motivation”.
Assistant commissioner Anthony Cooke, the central metropolitan region commander, also praised the conduct of Amy Scott, the officer who shot the assailant.
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NSW police call for privacy for those at stabbing incident
Cooke has also called on the public and the media to respect the privacy of those who have been caught up in this incident.
I will just reinforce the fact that if there are people out there who have not spoken with the police and they have information, would you please make yourself known to us and very clearly I would ask that people just respect the privacy of people in this very, very difficult time.
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Police to examine possibility attacker may have set out to harm women
Asked whether the attacker may have explicitly set out to harm women, Cooke says police will “canvass that possibility” as the investigation continues.
He does, however, say that he is “proud” of the actions of the officer who confronted the man and says she will receive “all the support that she requires”.
Cooke has also praised those who did “very, very brave things in these circumstances”.
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Cooke: not possible to ‘know what anyone’s motivations have been’
Cooke is asked about information being shared on social media about the perpetrator. He reiterates that it is not possible to “know what anyone’s motivations have been”.
I am clarifying what we know has been involved. I would hope people would respect everybody’s privacy and feelings in this matter. There are people suffering terribly and everybody should respect those people.
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Mental health dimension to Bondi Junction attack – police
Cooke says “nothing that we have, no information we have received, no evidence we have recovered, no intelligence we have gathered that would suggest that this was driven by any particular motivation, ideology or otherwise”.
We know that the offender in the matter suffered, suffers from mental health. We are continuing to work through the profiling of the offender but very clearly to us at this stage it would appear that this is related to the mental health of the individual involved. Investigations will very clearly continue through the day.
Cooke says police are still working to establish what occurred at the crime scene.
We will make arrangements promptly to ensure that people are advised how they can go about retrieving whatever that might be, including for example motor vehicles. But, as you would understand, it is absolutely necessary that we do what is necessary to ensure that we provide a detailed and precise brief of evidence in relation to this incident which has occurred yesterday.
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NSW police give update on Bondi Junction mass stabbing
Assistant commissioner Anthony Cooke, the central metropolitan region commander, is speaking now to reporters in Sydney.
Cooke confirms that there are six families who have been contacted for the five women and one man killed. Two of the victims appear to have no family in Australia and police are working to contact their family overseas.
There are also “a number of people” who remain in hospital receiving treatment for injuries. Cooke says many are in a “serious but stable condition”, including a young child.
Police are also seeking witness statements and footage from people who were present at the scene and have asked people to come forward with that material.
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Assistant commissioner Anthony Cooke, the central metropolitan region commander, is expected to speak to media in five minutes to give an update on the NSW police investigation into the mass stabbing at Bondi junction.
We will bring you the latest as it happens.
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Masselos: people invited to lay tributes
Masselos says people are heading to Bondi Junction to lay tributes to show respect to the victims and to help “process” the event.
We are certainly inviting them to lay attribute if they so wish to stop but the main thing to lay a tribute if they wish.
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‘Complete disbelief because Waverley is such a safe place’ – mayor
Paula Masselos, the mayor of Waverley, is speaking to the ABC now.
Masselos says she was in chambers when she heard about the “terrible unfolding tragedy on the news”. She says that very soon after that she began to be contacted by emergency services.
It was complete disbelief because Waverley is such a safe place. It is a place that people come and visit. Bondi Junction Westfield is a place that a lot of young people will come and parents know their kids are safe there so it is completely and utterly with disbelief and shock that we heard this and today still completely shattered that something like this has actually happened here. It is hard to process.
Masselos also praised the swift action by first responders.
People are reaching out again, absolutely shocked but also appreciative of the fact that the first responders came very, very quickly and that they were able to be reassured that the perpetrator was someone who was not ideologically driven and that the community is safe.
It is very, very key. But what is even more astounding or awe-inspiring at the amazing acts of bravery about everyday people who were there in Bondi Junction who were actually running towards helping people.
It actually shows and demonstrates the kind of community we are. It is a very tight-knit community. People know each other very well and I think just processing that is taking a little bit of time but again, it is a community that has come together and what I am urging people to do is if they feel they actually need assistance, don’t hesitate, get on to Lifeline.
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Spender praises community members who sought to help
A little more from Allegra Spender’s interview with the ABC this morning.
The independent federal MP says the community has been rocked by the attack, with Bondi Junction a gathering point for young families and young people.
A lot of our kids go there for the movies, you know, just to go shopping and just to hang out and I think a lot of us are struggling with how do we talk to our children about this, with the shocking images.
Spender says it is important to remember that in the moment many members of the community rose to the occasion as they sought to help people in their darkest moment.
The second message, the second piece is really trying to, in this really awful moment, trying to remember that there were those hundreds of thousands of people who at that darkest moment said, ‘look, how can we help each other, how can we stand together’, and we have to remember that as much as remember that because we are all – it could have been any of us and I think we all just thinking about the families and friends of those who are affected.
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NSW police will provide an update on the investigation into the stabbing at Bondi Junction at 8.30am.
Police were initially expected to speak to the media at 8am but the press conference has been pushed back by half an hour.
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The federal treasurer, Jim Chalmers, will speak to ABC Insiders David Speers this morning.
We will bring you all the latest as it happens.
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Allegra Spender says Bondi stabbings will leave Sydney in shock
Allegra Spender, the independent MP for Wentworth, has just been on ABC 24, saying she had received assurances from police that the attacker was acting alone.
“The real tragedy, I think, of yesterday [is that] Sydney is a big place [and] thousands and thousands of people will be affected.
“Everybody knows somebody who was there yesterday and I think this will be reverberating across the community for some time.
“My job for today will be to be out and about and really there for the community as much as I possibly can.”
She said she was extremely grateful to the police officers who attended the scene and that she expected that over the coming days the stories of “hundreds of people helping each other” would come out.
“A lot of us are struggling with how do we talk to our children about this, with the shocking images.”
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Welcome
A mass stabbing at a Sydney shopping centre where an attacker was shot dead by a senior police officer has shocked Australia as investigations into the incident continue.
Six people, five women and one man, were killed in the attack at the Bondi Junction shopping centre and several others were injured. A nine-month-old baby was among those stabbed and was undergoing surgery, the NSW police commissioner, Karen Webb, told reporters on Saturday.
She said police were confident there was no ongoing threat and the attacker, believed to be a 40-year-old man, acted alone. The centre is closed and will be an active crime scene for days.
Police are not ruling anything out as they begin a “lengthy and precise” investigation but there was no indication of “any motive or ideology” in the early stages of the investigation, NSW police assistant commissioner Tony Cooke earlier told reporters.
The prime minister, Anthony Albanese, said the attack was a horrific act of violence indiscriminately targeting innocent people, and praised the actions of a nearby NSW police inspector who responded alone as hundreds of shoppers fled the scene.
The NSW premier, Chris Minns, said it was a shocking day in the state’s history.
The Australian federal police commissioner, Reece Kershaw, said the AFP was providing support and that Asio and other agencies were involved in briefings.
King Charles said in a statement overnight that he and Queen Camilla were “utterly shocked and horrified to hear of the tragic stabbing incident in Bondi”.
Pope Francis also expressed his sadness at the “senseless tragedy” and offered his “spiritual closeness” to all those affected.
NSW police are expected to give an update around 8am.
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