Prime Minister Anthony Albanese praises policewoman who shot offender at Bondi Junction
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has applauded the heroism of a female police inspector who took on a mass killer during a rampage at a shopping mall on Saturday afternoon.
The inspector shot and killed the man after he stabbed at least eight people at Westfield Bondi Junction, killing five people and injuring several others.
Mr Albanese applauded the bravery of the officer and said there was no doubt she had saved countless lives.
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By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.“The bravery of the police officer who she entered the proceedings that were taking place, obviously very dangerous by herself... She is certainly a hero, there is no doubt she saved lives,” he said.
“It is a reminder those people who were uniform are people who rush to danger not run away from it. And I give thanks to everyone of them.”
NSW Assistant Police Commissioner Anthony Cooke said the policewoman was working in the mall when the attack happened. She is an inspector and was the duty officer for nearby Waverley Police Station.
He said the policewoman engaged with the assailant immediately upon arriving on the scene and with no back-up, followed him through the centre and called on him to drop the knife.
She discharged at least two shots and he died at the scene.
“Things are very raw at the stage,” Asst Comm Cooke said.
It is understood the inspector was conducting responsible service of alcohol checks for a licensed premises when she learned of the attacks taking place on the fifth floor of the Westfield centre.
More to come.
