A stabbing incident at the Westfield Shopping Centre in Bondi Junction, Sydney, has tragically resulted in the deaths of five people, including a nine-month-old baby. The attack occurred on a Saturday afternoon and prompted a major police and emergency response, with hundreds evacuated from the scene. Witnesses reported chaotic scenes of panic as the attacker moved through the mall, stabbing multiple individuals.

The assailant was shot dead by police at the scene. Assistant Commissioner Anthony Cooke of the New South Wales Police confirmed that the attacker acted alone and there is no ongoing threat to the public. The motive behind the stabbing remains unclear, and authorities have not discounted terrorism.

The Australian Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese, expressed condolences to the victims and their families. The area around the shopping centre remains cordoned off as the investigation continues. According to the NSW Police, the mall has been designated as a critical incident site to facilitate the thorough examination of the events.

Local and national shock has been expressed, as Sydney is generally not accustomed to such levels of violence in its community. The investigation is ongoing, with further updates anticipated as more information becomes available.