Sydney: Westfield Bondi Junction Mall set to reopen after stabbings incident

• Six people were killed in the attack, with two still in intensive care.
• The mall will implement increased security and police presence.
• On Thursday, the mall will open for a “community reflection day” with on-site counseling services.

Scentre Group, which operates Westfield malls in Australia and New Zealand, announced that the Sydney shopping center, the scene of a deadly stabbing attack, will reopen to shoppers on Friday. Six people lost their lives in the attack at Westfield Bondi Junction on Saturday, with two individuals still in intensive care. Increased security and police presence will be implemented when the mall reopens.

The mall will open on Thursday for a “community reflection day,” enabling people to pay their respects. On-site counseling services will be provided.

“It is a day of remembrance and to pay our respects to what has happened here, and the victims of the tragedy that happened here,” said Elliott Rusanow, chief executive officer of the Scentre Group.

“It is a recognition that things don’t return to normal immediately.”

Mr. Rusanow, from the Westfield Group, stated that security would be strengthened across all malls, including the implementation of enhanced protective clothing for security guards. He mentioned that some retailers might opt not to reopen on Friday, emphasizing that the decision would be theirs. Mr. Rusanow noted that all the families of the victims had already been offered the opportunity to visit the center where their loved ones were killed, and some had taken advantage of this opportunity.

The victims of the attack were Pikria Darchia, 55; Ashlee Good, 38; Faraz Tahir, 30; Dawn Singleton, 25; Jade Young, 47; and Yixuan Cheng, believed to be in her 20s.

A police officer, Inspector Amy Scott, shot dead the attacker, Joel Cauchi, at the scene.

Twelve people, including Ms. Good’s baby girl, were hospitalized for their injuries.

The attack has shocked Australia, where mass killings are rare.

Following the attack, the New South Wales government announced a review into the weapons security guards in crowded places such as shopping centers and hospitals will be permitted to use.

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