Baby in serious condition, 6 dead in stabbing

A nine-month-old baby remains in hospital on Saturday night after being stabbed by a lone knifeman at Sydney’s Westfield Bondi Junction in an attack that shocked the world.

Her mother, 38-year-old Ash Good, was one of six people fatally stabbed by the assailant who began his rampage in one of the country’s biggest shopping centres after 3.20pm.

The baby girl was to undergo emergency surgery. NSW Health have not yet confirmed whether that had occurred or how it went.

At least another seven people were injured and taken to hospital in either serious or critical conditions.

Police say the lone man, who wore a Kangaroos jersey and wielded a knife, could have killed and injured more had it not been for the bravery of one senior police officer who chased after him and ultimately shot him.

At this stage, police don’t believe the incident was terrorism motivated, but say they aren’t ruling anything out.

Five of the victims were women while the sixth victim was a man.

While his identification is yet to be confirmed, police believe the man was known to law enforcement.

Mum’s death the ‘worst possible news’

Sky News Australia anchor Laura Jayes, who was friends with Ms Good was emotional as she broke “the worst possible news”.

“I didn’t know the others but I knew one,” Jayes told Sky News.

“She had the world at her feet. Her baby went into surgery and her mum didn’t make it.

“She was so smart, so beautiful and it was all ripped away in seconds.”

Man ‘known to police’

NSW Police Commissioner Karen Webb said the 40-year-old man was known to law enforcement, but they did not believe it was a terrorism attack.

 “Let me assure you that we are confident that there is no ongoing risk, and we are dealing with one person who is now deceased,” Commissioner Webb told a late night press conference.

 “It’s too early to speculate, but given the environment, it’s possible that it’s random.”

 The knifeman, dressed in a rugby league T-shirt and shorts, began running around the busy, six-level shopping centre armed with a knife and stabbing people across multiple floors of the busy centre at 3.30pm.

He was shot dead by a “heroic” police officer who confronted the assailant.

At least eight people were taken to the city’s hospitals in a combination of serious and critical conditions, including one child to the Royal Children’s Hospital.

Shortly after 5.30pm, NSW Police confirmed the situation was under control.

“From preliminary inquiries, it would appear that this person acted alone,” NSW police said.

The centre remains closed, and a crime scene has been established. Westfield Bondi Junction will remain closed on Sunday.

Commissioner Webb said arrangements were being made for people to retrieve their cars from the carpark.

A critical incident team comprised of State Crime Command’s Homicide Squad and the Central Metropolitan Region will now investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident.

Heroic officer takes down knifeman

Earlier, police said the man, who had been in the centre earlier, returned at about 3.20pm when he “engaged with about nine people”.

A sole senior officer was nearby and confronted the offender.

“She confronted the offender who had moved by this stage to level five, as she continued to walk quickly behind him to catch up with him, he turned, faced her, raised a knife,” Assistant Commissioner Anthony Cooke told reporters.

“She discharged her firearm and that person is now deceased.”

Thousands of people were inside the major shopping centre, many of whom ran outside screaming and crying as the incident unfolded.

Hundreds of people were locked down inside stores, while others barricaded them into the centre’s bathrooms.

Video footage showed one man attempting to fight off the attacker with a bollard.

Royals lead tributes

In seperate statements King Charles, and Prince William and Princess Catherine responded with “shock” at the news out of Sydney.

“My wife and I were utterly shocked and horrified to hear of the tragic stabbing incident in Bondi,” the King said.

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge praised the “heroic” first responders.

“We are shocked and saddened by the terrible events in Sydney earlier today,” they said.

“ 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. W & C.”

PM responds to horrific attack
Anthony Albanese, who was briefed by the AFP, said the deadly attacks at Sydney’s Westfield Bondi Junction shopping centre defy words and understanding.

Five people were killed and several others – including a nine-month-old baby were stabbed before a heroic officer shot the perpetrator.

Speaking on Saturday night, the Prime Minister said Australians were reeling from the “horrific act of violence”.

“Tonight, the first thoughts of all Australians are with the victims of these terrible acts and their loved ones,” he said.

He said he had been heartened by the “humanity and heroism” of Australians.

“Our brave police, our first responders and of course, everyday people who could never have imagined that they would face such a moment,” he said.

“Australians … are brave, strong together.”

AFP commissioner Reece Kershaw said his force would help NSW police in their investigation.

NSW Premier Chris Minns, who had just begun two weeks of annual leave, said he was making “immediate arrangements” to return to Sydney.

“I am horrified to hear about the events at Bondi Junction this afternoon,” Mr Minns said.

“I want to thank NSW Police, emergency services and first responders and the community for their bravery in the face of this shocking incident.”

Mum gives baby to men to save
One man said he and his brother helped out after a baby and its mother, later confirmed to be Harriet and Ms Good, were stabbed.

“The mum came over with the baby and threw it at me, and I was just holding the baby,” the unnamed man told 9News.

“I just helped out, just holding the baby and trying to compress the blood from stopping and calling ambulance and police.

“There was a lot of blood on the floor.”

He recounted seeing a man run up to the woman with the baby.

“We just kept yelling out to get some clothes to help us compress and stop the baby bleeding,” he said.

Acting Premier Penny Sharpe said she was “shocked” at Saturday’s events.

“My thoughts and those of the NSW government are with the victims, their families and first responders at this time, as well as those who may have witnessed these horrific events,” she said.

“I am receiving regular updates from NSW Police and emergency services, as well as from the Premier’s Department.

“I will be receiving a formal briefing shortly.”

Shoppers quickly took to X to share their experiences.

“ Something just went down at Westfields Bondi Junction. We were up there and all of a sudden all these people running towards us. Next thing dozens and dozens of people all running a screaming some bloke yells ‘someone is stabbing everyone get out of here’,” user Ted Helliar wrote.

The operators of Westfield Bondi, Scentre Group, has also released a statement.

“Scentre Group extends its deepest and most heartfelt condolences to the families and loved ones of those impacted by today’s tragedy at Westfield Bondi,” Scentre Group chief executive Elliott Rusanow said.

“We extend our deep appreciation for the swift and brave action of our team and first responders.

“Our team continues to provide full assistance to the NSW emergency services response.”

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