Bondi stabbing attack: Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, Australian Federal Police address nation

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Remy Varga
The Nightly
Anthony Albanese says it would be unhelpful to speculate on the motive of the offender.
Anthony Albanese says it would be unhelpful to speculate on the motive of the offender. Credit: ABC/supplied

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has decried the horror of the massacre that unfolded at Westfield in Bondi Junction and applauded the heroism after six were killed and countless others, including a baby, were injured.

Australia Federal Police Commissioner Reece Kershaw said he had spoken to NSW Police and ASIO and said it would be “unhelpful” to speculate on the motive of the assailant.

“All the right agencies are working together on that (terror) assessment,” he said.

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Mr Albanese echoed Mr Kershaw’s comments and said it would be unhelpful to speculate on the motive of the alleged assailant.

Mr Kershaw said the mass stabbing was a “very serious incident” given the number of people killed and injured.

Mr Albanese said the investigation should be allowed to proceed and any speculation at this point would be unhelpful.

“It would appear this person has acted alone,” he said.

“The motive is not known yet and speculation on that would not be helpful.

“At this time we have been clear and transparent and I know NSW police as well as the AFP have made information available as a priority.

“We understand the Australian public will be shocked by this event.”

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