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Victim of Bourke Street stabbing rampage named as owner of iconic Melbourne restaurant


The victim of a terrorist attack in Melbourne’s CBD on Friday has been identified as local coffee shop owner Sisto Malaspina.

Mr Malaspina, the owner of Pellegrini’s Espresso Bar, was fatally stabbed on Bourke Street on Friday afternoon by a lone terrorist.

It’s believed he was stabbed after running to help his attacker after his car exploded, the Herald Sun reported.

Sisto Malaspina, the owner of Pellegrini’s Espresso Bar, was fatally stabbed on Bourke Street on Friday afternoon by a lone terrorist. Source: 7 News
Sisto Malaspina, the owner of Pellegrini’s Espresso Bar, was fatally stabbed on Bourke Street on Friday afternoon by a lone terrorist. Source: 7 News

Pellegrini’s opened in 1974 and was the first café in Melbourne to have an espresso coffee machine.

Mr Malaspina’s business partner Nino Pangrazio told the Herald Sun his colleague’s death was a “sad day for Melbourne” and described him as “the happiest person you could imagine”.

“Never a bad word, never a dull moment,” he said.

He also became a grandfather for the first time last week.

Mr Malaspina’s business partner Nino Pangrazio mourns Mr Malaspina’s death. Source: 7 News
Mr Malaspina’s business partner Nino Pangrazio mourns Mr Malaspina’s death. Source: 7 News

Tributes also flowed on social media for Mr Malaspina.

One man wrote he was “stunned” by his death and described Mr Malaspina.

“Said hello to Sisto last weekend, when I had a coffee with a friend at Pellegrini’s,” he tweeted.

“Such a lovely gentleman. Always chatting with customers.”

Pellegrini’s Espresso Bar on Bourke Street. Source: Google Maps (File pic)
Pellegrini’s Espresso Bar on Bourke Street. Source: Google Maps (File pic)

Another woman added she’s “absolutely devastated”.

“He was and always will be one of the most friendliest men I have ever met,” she tweeted.

“Not too long ago I was in for my birthday and he celebrated this with me with his kind hospitality.”

Terrorist ‘planned explosion’ for Melbourne

The terrorist has been named by police as 30-year-old Hassan Khalif Shire Ali.

Shire Ali stabbed three man, including Mr Palaspina. The other two are currently recovering in Royal Melbourne Hospital.

A screenshot taken from a supplied video showing an incident on Bourke Street in Melbourne on Friday, November 9. Source: AAP
A screenshot taken from a supplied video showing an incident on Bourke Street in Melbourne on Friday, November 9. Source: AAP

The 30-year-old planned to cause an explosion by igniting gas cylinders in his car, police said.

– With AAP

A burnt out vehicle is seen on Bourke Street in Melbourne on Friday Source: AAP
A burnt out vehicle is seen on Bourke Street in Melbourne on Friday Source: AAP