Culture Connect news portalCulture Connect news portal

Westfield Bondi Junction incident live updates: Heartbreak as mother of nine

Seven people are dead following a terrifying stabbing attack at Sydney's Bondi Junction Westfield shopping centre on Saturday afternoon.

Six innocent shoppers, including five women and a man, were stabbed to death before the knifeman was fatally shot by a lone female senior police officer.

Eight others have been rushed to hospital with stab wounds including a nine-month-old baby. 

The 38-year-old mother of the baby was also stabbed and tragically succumbed to her injuries in hospital on Saturday evening.

Follow Daily Mail Australia's live coverage. 

This live blog has now closed.

12:45

Mother, 38, killed in stabbing attack is identified - as her nine-month-old daughter fights for life

A mum stabbed to death while shopping with her nine-month baby posted a heartbreaking photo of them together just hours before the horror attack.

Dr Ash Good, 38, was among the six innocent shoppers at Sydney's Bondi Junction Westfield who were killed at random on Saturday, when a man, 40, dressed in a Kangaroos rugby league jersey, went on a stabbing rampage about 3:20pm.

He was fatally shot by a lone female police officer.

A total of nine people, including Ms Good's baby daughter, suffered knife wounds.

The infant is now fighting for life after being rushed to hospital for emergency surgery.

Just hours before the horror unfolded, Dr Good, an osteopath, had posted a photo to Instagram with her baby in her arms.

'Only because I was walking past and happened to be wearing the same thing 9 months out vs 9 months in etc etc,' the caption read.

Ms Good desperately handed her baby to a bystander during the attack.

'The baby got stabbed and, yeah, the mum got stabbed,' the bystander said.

'The mum came over with the baby and threw it at me.

'I just helped by holding the baby ... and trying to compress the baby.'

The man and his brother stayed with the mother and called emergency services.

'(It was) very bad... a lot of the blood on the floor ... hope the baby's alright,' the other brother said.

Ash GoodBondi Stabbing VictimAsh GoodBondi Stabbing Incident Victim10:05

What we know so far about the Bondi Junction stabbing

The knifeman, believed to be 40 years old with dark hair and a neatly-trimmed beard, initially entered Westfield Bondi Junction shopping centre about 3.10pm on Saturday and left.

He returned at about 3.20pm and stabbed multiple people, killing six shoppers, five women and one man.

Dr Ash Good, a 38 year old mother, was among the injured but later died in hospital.

She and her nine-month-old daughter were believed to be the first to be attacked.

Despite her own fatal injuries, Dr Good managed to pass her stabbed baby into the hands of bystanders who rushed the infant to safety with critical injuries.

Shocking footage showed the killer, who was wearing the Kangaroos jersey of the Australian national rugby league team, running through the centre armed with a large knife.

A senior female police inspector immediately leapt into action and ran towards the man who was on the top level of the centre.

He turned to face the officer and raised his knife before she fired a volley of shots from her gun and killed the offender.

The officer performed CPR on the man but he died at the scene.

The rampage is believed to have lasted for about 15 minutes.

One woman at the scene said she saw paramedics in tears following the traumatic event.

NSW Police said the attacker was acting alone and told the community there was no ongoing threat.

The man is yet to be formally identified but NSW Police Commissioner Karen Webb said he was known to law enforcement.

She said the attack is not believed to be related to terrorism.

The shopping centre has been closed and will remain shut on Sunday.

09:43

Sixth victim is identified as mother, 38, whose nine-month-old baby was also stabbed in terrifying attack

The woman succumbed to her injuries in hospital on Saturday evening.

She was one of six people stabbed to death in the attack at Bondi Junction Westfield.

The knifeman was also killed, pushing the total death toll to seven.

06:47

Seven dead, including six innocent shoppers as police fatally shoot knifeman at Bondi Junction Westfield

Seven people, including six innocent shoppers, are dead following a terrifying stabbing attack at Bondi Junction Westfield shopping centre before the knifeman was fatally shot by police.

Multiple other shoppers have been injured in the attack, with the Westfield complex in Sydney's east, going into lockdown just before 4pm on Saturday.

Shocking footage has emerged of victims lying in pools of blood while police desperately try to save their lives.

Paramedics rushed eight patients, including a nine-month-old baby, to hospital following the stabbing attack on Saturday afternoon.

NSW Ambulance said 40 resources were deployed to the scene including four medical units.

Five shoppers had been killed in the shopping centre, including four women and one man.

A sixth victim, a 38-year-old mother, succumbed to her injuries in hospital later on Saturday night.

Eight people remain in hospital, including the 38-year-old's baby who has undergone surgery.

Multiple dead in stabbing in Bondi Junction WestfieldPix by Gavin Lockhart who witness cop shooting dead knifeman.15:59

Heroic senior cop who fatally shot the knifeman has been awarded for her bravery in action before - as she's praised around the world

The hero cop who took down a murderous knifeman is identifiedNSW Police Inspector Amy Scott has been hailed worldwide as a hero and flooded with praise for her brave actions at Westfield Bondi Junction in Sydney 's east on Saturday afternoon.Mail Online15:29

Emotional moment Sky News reporter breaks down during live cross while remembering one of the stabbing victims

Sky News reporter fights back tears remembering murdered motherLaura Jayes, 40, was visibly distraught during her live cross from Bondi Junction's Westfield, in Sydney 's east, while reporting on the death of beloved osteopath Ash Good , 38.Mail Online13:59

Medical professionals will work around the clock tonight to save those fighting for life in hospital

Acting NSW Premier Penny Sharpe said doctors and nurses will be working tirelessly overnight on Saturday to save the lives of the eight injured in the attack.

Premier Chris Minns is currently in Tokyo with his family.

'We hold in our hearts the families and the friends and those who have lost loved ones with those who are waiting to hear [about] those that have been injured, and we stand by all the medical staff who are fighting to save their lives,' she said outside Waverley Police Station.

'All we need to know is that six innocent people have lost their lives and that there are eight others fighting for their lives in hospital.

'Tonight we have to have our thoughts with those who have lost loved ones and really stand by those who are fighting for their lives.

'This beyond distressing, this is not who we are – this is not the community that we’re living in.

'I’m personally distressed by this as I’m sure everyone is. We now have to live with the serious consequences of what’s happened today.'

13:23

King Charles III issues a statement on Bondi Junction massacre

'My wife and I were utterly shocked and horrified to hear of the tragic stabbing incident in Bondi,' His Majesty said in a statement on Saturday evening, AEST.

'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.'

Handout image issued by Buckingham Palace of the message from King Charles III following the incident at the Westfield shopping centre in the suburb of Bondi Junction in eastern Sydney where a knife attacker killed six people and injured several others before being shot dead by police. Issue date: Saturday April 13, 2024. PA Photo. See PA story POLICE Australia. Photo credit should read: Buckingham Palace/PA Wire NOTE TO EDITORS: This handout photo may only be used in for editorial reporting purposes for the contemporaneous illustration of events, things or the people in the image or facts mentioned in the caption. Reuse of the picture may require further permission from the copyright holder.12:28

Prince William and Kate share post in honour of those killed in the stabbing

The Prince and Princess of Wales have sent their condolences to those impacted by the stabbing in Sydney on Saturday.

'We are shocked and saddened by the terrible events in Sydney earlier today,' they wrote.

'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.'

11:41

Bondi Rescue star Andrew Reid's heroic action after knifeman went on a stabbing rampage

Bondi Rescue star hailed a hero after helping stabbing victimsBondi Rescue star Andrew Reid was shopping for a new bed when a frantic retail worker told him 'people are being stabbed' and the building is being evacuated.Mail Online11:29

Celebrities share tributes to those killed in the stabbing attack

Australian actress Magda Szubanskiand soccer superstar Sam Kerr have shared messages of support to those impacted by the Westfield Bondi Junction stabbing attack.

'Absolutely devastated by the news coming out of Bondi Junction,' Szubanski wrote to X.

'My heart goes out to the victims, family, first responders and all the people traumatised by the actions of this one man.

'Such courage and care shown by so many people-especially #bollard man and the policewoman who shot the perp.'

Kerr shared an Instagram story with the message: 'Thinking of everyone in Bondi' with a sad face and love heart emoji.

Billionaire chicken heiress Jessica Ingham also shared a message of support to the victims.

'My heart goes out to all the victims involved in this horrific Bondi Junction incident,' she said.

10:58

Forensic police officers arrive at the scene

13 APRIL  2024 SYDNEY NSWWWW.MATRIXNEWS.COM.AUCREDIT: MATRIXNEWS FOR DAILYMAIL AUSTRALIA ASSIGNMENT: POLICE OPERATION AT BONDI JUNCTION13 APRIL  2024 SYDNEY NSWWWW.MATRIXNEWS.COM.AUCREDIT: MATRIXNEWS FOR DAILYMAIL AUSTRALIA ASSIGNMENT: POLICE OPERATION AT BONDI JUNCTION13 APRIL  2024 SYDNEY NSWWWW.MATRIXNEWS.COM.AUCREDIT: MATRIXNEWS FOR DAILYMAIL AUSTRALIA ASSIGNMENT: POLICE OPERATION AT BONDI JUNCTION13 APRIL  2024 SYDNEY NSWWWW.MATRIXNEWS.COM.AUCREDIT: MATRIXNEWS FOR DAILYMAIL AUSTRALIA ASSIGNMENT: POLICE OPERATION AT BONDI JUNCTION10:55

Killer crashed the party: How police chief learned of Bondi massacre

Police Commissioner Karen Webb was enjoying some rare respite from weeks of attacks when one of her officers shot dead a killer.

Ms Webb was among the guests invited to watch day two of the Sydney Autumn Carnival at Royal Randwick racecourse in the exclusive Director’s Room on Saturday.

Her host was Peter V’landys, chief executive of Racing NSW and chairman of the Australian Rugby League Commission.

On the menu was Alaskan crab ravioli, char-grilled Darling Downs beef fillet and tiramisu for dessert.

Among the guests were radio host Ben Fordham – who has been a fierce critic of Ms Webb’s handling of policing issues during her time as commissioner.

Fordham pre-empted any showdown with Ms Webb by fronting the commissioner and light-heartedly asking if she was accompanied by her fifth media spokesperson.

Ms Webb has gone through a series of media advisers, including former Spotlight producer Steve Jackson, who was let go before he started work.

At lunch she was seated next to the editor of the Daily Telegraph, Ben English.

There were also two plain-clothes officers outside the Director’s Room watching their boss through the glass windows.

Among Ms Webb’s fellow guests were some of the most senior media figures in the country, as well as on-air presenters including Sam Armytage and Mel McLaughlin.Ms Webb was gone by the time news reached the racecourse of the atrocity a couple of suburbs away at Westfield.

But some of the officers previously with her were being briefed about what was happening at Bondi Junction as it unfolded.

Also among the guests was radio and television presenter Deb Knight, who left the track to cover the Westfield massacre on A Current Affair.

New South Wales Police Commissioner Karen Webb speaks to the media following the fatal stabbing at Westfield Bondi Junction shopping centre in Sydney, Saturday, April 13, 2024. A man fatally stabbed six people in the centre before he was shot. (AAP Image/Bianca De Marchi) NO ARCHIVING10:45

Bondi Junction Westfield will remain closed on Saturday and Sunday

The centre will work with police to remove cars that had to be left behind.

It may be several days before people are able to retreive their vehicles.

10:43

Police say there is 'no suggestion' the stabbing was a targeted attack - tragically leaving six dead

10:39

Police believe the attack was not terror-related

10:38

NSW Police Commissioner Karen Webb said the attacker is believed to be a 40-year-old man

She said police are still waiting to confirm his identity and did not disclose any other details.

The man is known to law enforcement.

10:32

How the heroic cop took down the knifeman before rushing to try and save other victims

How hero female cop single handedly took down a killer at WestfieldThe hero police officer who confronted and shot dead a knifeman who stabbed nine bystanders at a busy shopping centre then performed CPR on him and the injured victims.Mail Online10:30

Watch the incredible moment a heroic police officer is seen sprinting towards the knifeman before fatally shooting him

09:56

NSW Police Commissioner Karen Webb to provide an update at 8.30pm

09:43

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese shares his heartache at Bondi Junction stabbing

Mr Albanese thanked first responders and heroic bystanders who acted with bravery at the stabbing.

'Australians will be shocked as I am by an incident such as this,' he told 2GB’s Ben Fordham.

'It’s such a shock this happens in a country such as ours, where people should be able to go about their shopping on a Saturday afternoon without any thought that there is risk involved.'

09:27

Heartbreaking image shows a young baby being stretchered into an ambulance after being stabbed

The nine-month-old baby was rushed to hospital after the infant and their mother were stabbed.

It's unclear what condition the child is in.

Bondi Westfield baby on strecher09:11

Stabber was reportedly holding a 30cm knife during horrific attack

Hussein Osseili was at Bondi Juncti0on Westfield with his 6-year-old sister and grandmother when he heard gunshots and immediately knew what they were.

'I just thought I have to get my family to safety. I told them to leave. Then I saw a man with a big hunting knife - about 30cm long on the escalator in front of Woolies,' he said.

'He went past Zara and Kmart, he was waving the knife around and stabbing people.

'He went to level 5 and then I heard more gunshots from the police. My family is all safe luckily.'

Hussein Osseili.08:48

Father places eyemasks over his children's faces so they don't have to see the horrors of what unfolded

The father was seen escorting his two children away from Bondi Junction Westfield on Saturday afternoon, with his son and daughter wearing eyemasks.

He held both children close to him as he walked calmly away from the shopping centre.

Many shoppers have been left traumatised after seeing victims lying in pools of blood.

08:43

Witnesses recall seeing the knifeman running through the shopping centre with the huge weapon

Huma Hussainy and Mohamed Naveed described the dramatic scenes of seeing the knifeman carrying a large hunting knife.

The Parramatta couple heard screaming and saw everyone running while Mr Naveed was paying for a t-shirt and pants.

They then saw the bodies of two young women in their 20s lying outside Cotton On.

'Then I saw him coming back still holding the knife and I thought he was coming for us,' he said.

The pair then hid in the Lululemon change rooms for up to an hour.

When they came out they said the bodies of the two young women were still outside the store.

Ms Hussainy guessed the knifeman was about 35.

08:30

Female senior police officer acted alone to takedown knifeman after he killed five shoppers

The senior police inspector jumped into action to confront the knifeman alone.

She began to follow the man who was at the top level of the shopping centre before he turned towards her and raised his knife.

She then fatally shot the man.

08:21

Police say they are still working to identify the knifeman

08:20

NSW Police say the knifeman acted alone and there is no 'continuing threat'

08:16

Distraught shopper reveals she thought she was going to die

The young woman had been at Bondi Junction at the time of the stabbing attack, and was visibly distraught by what had unfolded.

'It was just like the worst thing ever,' she told reporters.

'Who does that to people?'

She said she saw a woman lying in Chanel, who was understood to have been killed.

'I thought I was going to die,' she said.

08:14

Heavily armed tactical police are seen at the scene

Multiple dead in stabbing in Bondi JunctionPolice enter the Westfield Bondi Junction shopping mall after a stabbing incident in Sydney on April 13, 2024. Australian police on April 13 said they had received reports that "multiple people" were stabbed at a busy shopping centre in Sydney. (Photo by David GRAY / AFP) (Photo by DAVID GRAY/AFP via Getty Images)08:10

Anthony Albanese sends his condolences to the stabbing victims and their loved ones

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese posted on X just after 6pm on Saturday following the stabbing attack.

'I have been briefed by the AFP on the devastating events at Bondi Junction. Tragically, multiple casualties have been reported and the first thoughts of all Australians are with those affected and their loved ones,' he said.

'Our hearts go out to those injured and we offer our thanks to those caring for them as well as our brave police and first responders.'

07:58

Evacuated shoppers left distraught as police operation continues at Bondi Junction

13 APRIL  2024 SYDNEY NSWWWW.MATRIXNEWS.COM.AUCREDIT: MATRIXNEWS FOR DAILYMAIL AUSTRALIA ASSIGNMENT: POLICE OPERATION AT BONDI JUNCTIONMultiple dead in stabbing in Bondi JunctionPeople react outside the Westfield Bondi Junction shopping mall after a stabbing incident in Sydney on April 13, 2024. Australian police on April 13 said they had received reports that "multiple people" were stabbed at a busy shopping centre in Sydney. (Photo by David GRAY / AFP) (Photo by DAVID GRAY/AFP via Getty Images)Multiple dead in stabbing in Bondi Junction13 APRIL  2024 SYDNEY NSWWWW.MATRIXNEWS.COM.AUCREDIT: MATRIXNEWS FOR DAILYMAIL AUSTRALIA ASSIGNMENT: POLICE OPERATION AT BONDI JUNCTION13 APRIL  2024 SYDNEY NSWWWW.MATRIXNEWS.COM.AUCREDIT: MATRIXNEWS FOR DAILYMAIL AUSTRALIA ASSIGNMENT: POLICE OPERATION AT BONDI JUNCTION07:48

Eight patients including a nine-month-old baby are rushed to hospital

Paramedics rushed eight patients, including a nine-month-old baby to hospital following the stabbing attack on Saturday afternoon.

It's unclear what conditions those patients are in or their ages.

07:44

Terrifying moment shoppers are evacuated from Bondi Junction Westfield

07:38

Police officers are seen desperately working on one of the stabbing victims

Four shoppers are dead after a knifeman went on a stabbing spree in Bondi Junction.

Shocking footage has emerged of victims lying in pools of blood.

Police officers have been seen desperately working to revive the victims.

07:30

Father jumps into action to defend his family from the knifeman as chilling footage emerges of him running rampant at Bondi Junction

07:22

Chilling photo shows the knifeman running through Bondi Junction Westfield

07:20

Shopper is seen bravely trying to defend himself against the knifeman

A shopper was seen using a bollard from the shopping centre as a weapon to defend himself when he was faced with the knifeman on an escalator at Bondi Junction.

The knifeman, in a Kangaroos jersey, is see approaching the shopper, who readies himself to attack.

07:18

Hero bystander saves a baby after the infant and their mother were stabbed

Westfield Bondi Junction stabbing hero tells how he tried to save babyA 'hero' who rushed to help a mother and baby after they were stabbed by a knifeman at Westfield Bondi Junction has told how he desperately worked to keep the infant alive.Mail Online07:15

Female police officer fatally shoots knifeman after terrifying shopping centre attack

The offender was wearing a Kangaroos jersey, from the Australian rugby team, and was seen holding a knife before he was shot three times by a female police officer.

07:11

NSW Police to hold press conference on the stabbing at 5.45pm

07:10

Photos from the scene

13 APRIL  2024 SYDNEY NSWWWW.MATRIXNEWS.COM.AUCREDIT: MATRIXNEWS FOR DAILYMAIL AUSTRALIA ASSIGNMENT: POLICE OPERATION AT BONDI JUNCTION13 APRIL  2024 SYDNEY NSWWWW.MATRIXNEWS.COM.AUCREDIT: MATRIXNEWS FOR DAILYMAIL AUSTRALIA ASSIGNMENT: POLICE OPERATION AT BONDI JUNCTION13 APRIL  2024 SYDNEY NSWWWW.MATRIXNEWS.COM.AUCREDIT: MATRIXNEWS FOR DAILYMAIL AUSTRALIA ASSIGNMENT: POLICE OPERATION AT BONDI JUNCTION13 APRIL  2024 SYDNEY NSWWWW.MATRIXNEWS.COM.AUCREDIT: MATRIXNEWS FOR DAILYMAIL AUSTRALIA ASSIGNMENT: POLICE OPERATION AT BONDI JUNCTION13 APRIL  2024 SYDNEY NSWWWW.MATRIXNEWS.COM.AUCREDIT: MATRIXNEWS FOR DAILYMAIL AUSTRALIA ASSIGNMENT: POLICE OPERATION AT BONDI JUNCTION07:00

Knifeman reportedly attacked a woman and her baby

The knifeman is understood to have attacked a mother and her baby before he was fatally shot by police.

The baby is undergoing surgery in hospital.

06:59

Shoppers forced to hide in stores after knifeman went on a rampage in Bondi Junction

Hundreds of shoppers at Bondi Junction Westfield were forced to hide amid a terrifying stabbing attack on Saturday afternoon.

Consumer behaviour expert Gary Mortimer shared a screenshot from texts sent by his friend's young daughter who was at the shopping centre in Sydney's east.

'We're locked inside DJs (David Jones),' the girl said.

'All the shops closed their gates.'

The parent responded: 'please, please be safe'.

06:30

Major incident unfolding at Westfield Bondi Junction

By David Southwell

A major incident is unfolding at a major Sydney shopping centre, with reports of a stabbing and at least one gun man on the loose.

Westfield Bondi Junction in Sydney's eastern suburbs is in lockdown after the incident on Saturday afternoon.

Panicked people were seen running across the pedestrian bridge outside the centre in video posted to social media while others said they were being evacuated from the centre's car park.

Police are attending the scene in massive numbers.

Eastern suburbs local Ted Helliar posted to X: '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'.'

Another X user said hundreds of shoppers were hiding in the back of the David Jones department store, which had pulled down its shutters with reports a man had been seen running with a gun in the centre.

A police spokesperson told Daily Mail Australia on Saturday afternoon that a major police operation is under way and officers were gathering details at the scene.

Key Updates
  • Mother, 38, killed in stabbing attack is identified - as her nine-month-old daughter fights for life
  • NSW Police Commissioner Karen Webb said the attacker is believed to be a 40-year-old man
  • What we know so far about the Bondi Junction stabbing
  • Sixth victim is identified as mother, 38, whose nine-month-old baby was also stabbed in terrifying attack
  • Heartbreaking image shows a young baby being stretchered into an ambulance after being stabbed
  • Eight patients including a nine-month-old baby are rushed to hospital
  • Hero bystander saves a baby after the infant and their mother were stabbed
  • Female police officer fatally shoots knifeman after terrifying shopping centre attack
  • Seven dead, including six innocent shoppers as police fatally shoot knifeman at Bondi Junction Westfield

TOP STORIES

live(2171)
Without permission, shall not be reproduced:>Culture Connect news portal » Westfield Bondi Junction incident live updates: Heartbreak as mother of nine