World Reacts to Knife Rampage in Sydney That Claimed 6 Lives

A woman reacts after leaving flowers outside the Westfield Bondi Junction shopping mall in Sydney, Australia, on April 14, 2024. David Gray/AFP via Getty Images

The Saturday night attack at the Bondi Junction Westfield Centre has shocked and saddened people from around Australia and the world.

On April 13, 2024, six people were killed and several others were injured in a knife attack carried out by 40-year-old Joel Cauchi at a Westfield Centre in the Bondi Junction. There were 12 other victims, including a nine-month-old baby whose mother was killed in the attack.

Mr. Cauchi was shot and killed by a senior police officer, Inspector Amy Scott. Many have expressed admiration for her heroic actions, including Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.

“She is certainly a hero, there is no doubt that she saved lives through her action,” Mr. Albanese said in a press conference.

New South Wales (NSW) Police Commissioner Karen Webb said that the officer showed enormous courage and bravery.

“It was an awful situation. .. but it could have been much worse,” Ms. Webb said.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese speaks to the media on the Bondi Junction stabbings, during a press conference in Canberra, Saturday, April 13, 2024. AAP Image/Lukas Coch

Royal Family, Pope React to Incident

There has also been a considerable international reaction to the assault.

New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon said New Zealanders were thinking of those affected by the attack.

“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,” Mr. Luxon wrote on X.

UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said the horrific Bondi Junction attacks 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,” Mr. Sunak said.

Buckingham Palace also released a statement, saying King Charles and Queen Camilla were “utterly shocked and horrified” to hear of the incident.

“Our hearts go out to the families and loved ones of those who have been so brutally killed during such a senseless attack,” he said.

King Charles said that their thoughts are also with those who were involved with the response.

“We give thanks for the bravery of the first responders and emergency services.”

Prince William and Princess Kate also expressed their shock and sadness at the terrible events in Sydney.

“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,” they said.

The Vatican said Pope Francis was deeply saddened by the violent attack in Sydney and that he sends the assurance of his spiritual closeness to all affected, especially those 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,” said the Vatican.

Simon Harris, Taoiseach (prime minister of Ireland) and leader of Fine Gael, also expressed his horror at the Sydney attack in a post on X.

“I am horrified by the attack in Sydney on innocent people, including children,” Mr. Harris said.

He said that the thoughts and prayers of everyone in Ireland are with Australia, and that he will reach out to Mr. Albanese personally.

Australian Politician’s Response to the Attack

Mr. Albanese called the incident a horrific act of violence that indiscriminately hurt innocent people.

“The first thoughts of all Australians are with the victims of these terrible acts and their loved ones,” he said.

NSW Premier Chris Minns was in Japan when the attack occured on Saturday, but spoke with Sydney radio 2GB from the Tokyo airport whilst waiting for a flight home.

Mr. Minns said it was a terrible violent crime and a truly shocking day in the state’s history.

“I can understand that people will be grieving and very angry for the next few days, but we will recover, we'll be strong, and in the midst of a violent wicked crime we’ve seen some examples of exemplary courage,” he said.

“It’s literally everyone’s worst nightmare, an afternoon with family or friends at a shopping centre being displaced with a wicked and a violent crime.”

On Sunday morning, Mr. Minns commented further on the attacks.

“Sydney has suffered a horrifying and violent attack on innocent people who were doing something everybody does on the weekend,.., going shopping with their family and their friends.” Mr. Minns said.

“The individual stories of those who have 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 have been killed or not, you’re grieving today.”

In a post on X, Federal Opposition leader Peter Dutton expressed his gratitude towards the Australians who helped each other through the attack.

“We thank the police officers and first responders who acted so quickly, put themselves in harm’s way, and saved others. In particular, the bravery of one female officer who neutralised the assailant,” Mr. Dutton said.

He also thanked the shop keepers and staff who offerered shoppers shelter during the attack.

“We thank everyday Australians who helped each other get to safety and those who provided comfort to others in distress.”

Police keep watch in front of the Westfield Bondi Junction shopping mall after a stabbing incident in Sydney on April 13, 2024. DAVID GRAY/AFP via Getty Images

Reponse of the Bondi Junction Community

The people of Bondi began laying flower tributes to the victims of the attack on Sunday Morning and the number of bouquets is slowly increasing.

Paula Masselos, the Mayor of Waverley Council, told Sky News Australia that she and the Waverley community are in deep shock.

“We consider Waverley to be a very safe place ... people go to shop and you expect that you will return home,” Ms. Masselos said.

“The fact that we’ve got six people who will not be returning to their families tonight is shocking.”