At Least 6 Killed in Sydney Mall Stabbing
The Facts
A knife-wielding attacker killed at least six people and critically injured several others at the Westfield Bondi Junction mall in Sydney's suburb of Bondi on Saturday. The suspect was fatally shot by a senior police officer in the vicinity at the time.
According to the police, the attacker had walked into the mall at around 3:10 p.m. local time before leaving. He returned soon after, reportedly with a "big blade," and, according to eyewitnesses, started stabbing the shoppers indiscriminately.
The Spin
Narrative A
This horrific act of violence, Australia's deadliest in at least eight years, has stunned and horrified a country where mass killings are rare. Since the attacker indiscriminately targeted innocent shoppers and his motive remains unclear, it's too early to call it a hate crime. For now, it's paramount to thank the police and emergency services for their bravery in the face of this shocking incident and support the families of victims and eyewitnesses in these grim times.
Narrative B
There's no doubt the officer saved hundreds of lives through her timely actions, and mass casualty events are rare in Australia. However, Saturday's tragedy should kick off another national debate about gun control. As Australians who already own guns have bought more, and there's an increase in new gun owners since the country implemented one of the world's toughest gun laws more than two decades ago, the Bondi mall stabbing serves as a warning against complacency.