Prime Minister to lay wreath for victims of deadly Bondi Junction attack; world leaders pay tribute
Image: Members of the public pay tribute to the victims of the mass stabbing at Bondi Junction on Saturday afternoon. (AP Photo/Rick Rycroft)
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese will lay a wreath this afternoon for the victims of the deadly attack yesterday at Bondi Junction.
Albanese told ABC Radio Sydney he was on the way to Canberra when he heard of the situation and that it was uncertain “what the nature of this terrible event [was]”.
He said he would travel from Canberra to Sydney this afternoon to lay wreaths at the scene alongside the Wentworth federal MP Allegra Spender.
“We’ll be united in our grief and solidarity for those who’ve lost loved ones … That’s why it’s important we reach out and wrap our arms around each other today and in the days ahead,” he said.
Premier Chris Minns will also join local, state and federal representatives to lay flowers at Bondi Junction.
A “horrific act of violence”
The prime minister has condemned yesterday’s events as a “horrific act of violence”.
The “devastating scenes” were “beyond words or understanding” he said in Canberra on Saturday evening alongside Australian Federal Police (AFP) Commissioner Reece Kershaw.
He praised the lone police officer who followed the attacker, health workers caring for the injured people, and shoppers who rushed to help those that had been stabbed.
“Today at Bondi Junction was the scene of shocking violence, but it was also witness to the humanity and the heroism of our fellow Australians, our brave police, our first responders and of course, everyday people who could never have imagined that they would face such a moment,” said Albanese.
“For these Australians, their first instinct in the face of danger was to help someone else. That is what we hold on to tonight as Australians.”
Impact will be felt for a long time
Ms Spender said the impact of the “horrendous” attack will be felt across the community for a long time.
“But even in our darkest hour, there was light,” she said.
“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.”
World leaders pay tribute
Leaders across the world have also stepped forward to pay tribute to the victims of the Bondi Junction stabbing.
King Charles said, “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.”
UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said, “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.”
New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon said, “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.”
From The Vatican: “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.”
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