EDITORIAL Horror, heroism in Sydney

• Published date: 16 April 2024
• Publication title: Northland Age, The

That shoppers out during a weekend visit to a mall didn’t make it home to their loved ones makes us wonder what sort of society we live in

Witnesses’ accounts of the attack at Westfield Bondi Junction are harrowing.

The lone assailant, a 40-year-old man, was seen running up escalators with a knife and charging at people. Shoppers fled in terror during the attack into stores, with mall staff helping some escape to safety. During the rampage, a heroic member of the public took on the knifeman at the top of an escalator with a bollard, preventing him from going to the next level.

Later, the offender was shot dead by police when refusing to drop his weapon.

We should have nothing but praise for the officers and bystanders who did what they could to stop the attacker and rush to the aid of the victims.

Our hearts also go out to the families of the dead and the survivors, who will bear the physical and mental scars of the tragedy. Messages of support from around the world have poured in for them — including from Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, who said that “Australia was family”.

“All New Zealanders are thinking of those affected by the tragic events in Bondi, especially the family and friends of those killed,” Luxon posted on social media.

As well as feelings of sorrow and sympathy for the victims, some will feel anger at the perpetrator.

Others may feel afraid to go about their day-to-day...