:format(jpeg):focal(3653x1196:3663x1186)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gfrmedia/MPGF5DDDTJD2XNVWWTZSL4J2HU.jpg "Six people stabbed to death in Sydney shopping center")
A man stabbed six people to death in a busy Sydney shopping center on Saturday before being fatally shot by a female police inspector, authorities said. The incident took place at the Westfield shopping center in Bondi Junction, where the 40-year-old suspect began attacking people before being confronted by the officer.
In total, eight people were injured in the attack, including a nine-month-old child who was undergoing surgery. Six of the victims, five women and one man, along with the suspect, died as a result of the violence.
New South Wales Police Deputy Commissioner Anthony Cooke commended the bravery of the police inspector, stating that she had potentially saved the lives of several people. Commissioner Karen Webb assured the public that there was no ongoing risk and that the incident was not considered a terrorist act.
Authorities are continuing to investigate the motive behind the attack and have not yet released the identity of the suspect. Paramedics treated the injured individuals at the scene, and witnesses described scenes of chaos and fear as they sought shelter during the violent incident.
The community is left in shock and mourning as details emerge from the tragic events at the shopping center.