King denounces 'senseless' Bondi attack

The royal family has responded to the deadly Bondi Junction attacks, praising “heroic” first responders.

In a statement released on Saturday evening, King Charles III said he and Queen Camilla were “completely shocked and horrified to learn of the tragic stabbing incident in Bondi”.

“Our thoughts are with the families and loved ones of those who were so brutally killed in such a senseless attack.

Audiences with King Charles III at Buckingham Palace — King Charles III on Saturday called the Bondi Westfield attack “senseless”. (Photo by Jonathan Brady – WPA Swimming Pool/Getty Images)

While the details of these shocking circumstances are still emerging, our thoughts are also with those who participated in the response, and we give thanks for the courage of the first responders and emergency services.

He signed: “Charles R.”

Prince William and Princess Catherine, who also stepped back from public engagements as the Princess of Wales undergoes cancer treatment, also posted a short message of support on X.

“We are shocked and saddened by the terrible events in Sydney earlier today,” they said.

“Our thoughts are with everyone affected, including the loved ones of the missing and the heroic first responders who risked their own lives to save others. BATHROOM.”

Prince William, Duke of Cambridge, and Kate Middleton, Duchess of Cambridge, said they were “shocked and saddened” by the deadly Bondi attack.

FASTING/SHOOTING BJ — Six people were fatally stabbed at Westfield Bondi Junction on Saturday. Photo: NCA NewsWire / Monique Harmer

A lone 40-year-old man armed with a knife killed six people and injured at least eight others when he began rampaging through a busy shopping center at 3:20 p.m. on Saturday.

Among the injured were a nine-month-old baby and his mother, Ash Good, who died in hospital.

Police have not yet determined the motive, but believe a terrorist act appears unlikely.

A senior officer who tackled and shot the attacker alone has been hailed as a hero who saved “countless” other lives.

The world was quick to react to the tragic news from Sydney.

New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon praised the “exceptional courage” of the New Zealand police on social media.

“Australia is a family. “All New Zealanders are therefore thinking of those affected by the tragic events in Bondi, especially the families and friends of those killed today,” he wrote.

“Exceptional courage from NSW Police, first responders and members of the public.”

US Ambassador Caroline Kennedy said: “We are deeply saddened to learn of today’s events at Westfield Bondi Junction in Sydney.

“Our thoughts are with the families and friends of the missing and we wish those injured a speedy and full recovery. »

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