Key events
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 New South Wales 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, Inspector 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.
NSW 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.
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.
Eden Gillespie
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.
‘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
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.
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, 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.
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.
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.
