Royal Family 'Utterly Shocked and Horrified' by Stabbing Attack Killing 7 at Sydney Mall

King Charles III, Queen Camilla, Prince William and Kate Middleton

On Saturday, April 13, a man armed with a knife went on a stabbing spree at a shopping center in Sydney, Australia. The attacker killed six individuals at the mall before a police officer shot him dead.

In the wake of the tragic incident at Westfield Bondi Junction, members of the British royal family have responded (Australia is part of the British Commonwealth).

A statement from King Charles III and Queen Camilla shared via X read: “My wife and I were utterly shocked and horrified to hear of the tragic stabbing incident in Bondi. Our hearts go out to the families and loved ones of those who have been so brutally killed during such a senseless attack."

The statement continued: “While details of these shocking circumstances are still emerging, our thoughts are also with those who were involved in the response, and we give thanks for the bravery of the first responders and emergency services.”

Prince William and Kate Middleton also posted a statement responding to the Sydney mall stabbings. "We are shocked and saddened by the terrible events in Sydney earlier today," the Prince and Princess of Wales wrote in an Instagram Story.

"Our thoughts are with all those affected, including the loved ones of those lost and the heroic emergency responders who risked their own lives to save others," they continued, signing their initials "W & C."

Emergency personnel responded to stabbings at roughly 3:30 p.m. local time at the Sydney mall on Saturday, according to a New South Wales Police Force news release.

"An officer attached to Eastern Suburbs Police Area Command attended and was allegedly confronted by a man with a knife," according to the statement. "The man allegedly lunged at the officer, before he was fatally shot."

New South Wales Police Commissioner Karen Webb explained during news that four women and one man were among the deceased, and they all died at the mall, 7News Australia reported. Another woman later died at a hospital.

A 9-month-old was injured and was transported to a hospital for surgery. Additionally, eight other people were taken to area hospitals for their injuries.

Webb shared that police do not believe the violent attack was terror-related. However, the 40-year-old man is "known to law enforcement."

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