'Violent Actions That Are Unspeakable': Australian PM Speaks About Deadly Stabbing Incident at Sydney Shopping Center

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese praised the bravery of “ordinary Australians” who rushed to help after a mass stabbing at Bondi Junction shopping center left seven people including the attacker dead on April 13.

Joel Cauchi was shot dead by police after he killed five women and one man in the attack on Saturday.

“The events of yesterday have shocked the nation…with violent actions that are unspeakable and really just beyond comprehension,” Albanese told media on Sunday morning.

“That bravery was quite extraordinary that we saw yesterday.”

“We also give thanks to our police and emergency services. The wonderful inspector who ran in to danger by herself and removed the threat that was there to others without thinking about the risk to herself.”

NSW Police Officer Amy Scott fatally shot Cauchi after she told him to put his weapon down and he charged at her with a knife, local media reported. Credit: Anthony Albanese via Storyful

Video Transcript

ANTHONY ALBANESE: The events of yesterday have shocked the nation. Australians are waking up to try to deal with the shock and trauma that will come with what has occurred with violent actions that are unspeakable and really just beyond comprehension. People going about their Saturday afternoon shopping should be safe, shouldn't be at risk.

But tragically, we saw a loss of life. And people will be grieving for loved ones today. We also know there are many people still in hospital dealing with a recovery, and our thoughts and prayers are with them.

We also, though, at this time give thanks to our police and emergency services for the wonderful inspector who ran into danger by herself and removed the threat that was there to others without thinking about the risk to herself. We also see the footage of ordinary Australians putting themselves in harm's way in order to help their fellow citizens.

That bravery was quite extraordinary that we saw yesterday. The best of Australians amidst this extraordinary tragedy. I've received messages overnight from the leaders, including from President Biden, prime Minister Sunak, prime minister Luxon, and others in our region as well expressing their condolences to Australians. And I thank them for their thoughts and prayers that we've received at this most difficult of times.