Police report: One of six deceased individuals in Australian stabbing incident at bustling shopping center considered a suspect.

Authorities confirmed that six individuals, including the suspect who was fatally shot by a police officer, have died following a stabbing rampage in Australia on Saturday afternoon.

The event occurred at Westfield Bondi Junction, a six-story shopping center located in Sydney.

During a press conference, New South Wales Police Commissioner Karen Webb verified that four women and one man lost their lives at the shopping center, with an additional woman succumbing to her injuries at a hospital. Eight other individuals were hospitalized and are currently receiving treatment for various injuries related to the attack.

Webb mentioned that a nine-month-old baby was among the injured and has undergone surgery.

"The investigation of the crime scene is ongoing and is expected to continue for several days," she added.

Webb stated that the suspect is a 40-year-old man who was already known to the police.

"We have some information about this individual, but we are waiting to officially confirm his identity," the commissioner stated. She also mentioned that the police do not suspect any ideological motivation, indicating that the incident is not considered a terrorism-related event.

"Rest assured, we are confident that there is no continuing threat, as we are addressing the situation involving a deceased individual," Webb assured.

Earlier, New South Wales Police Assistant Commissioner Anthony Cooke informed reporters that six individuals, including the assailant, had lost their lives. He explained that the lone suspect was shot by a lone officer during the incident.

"She approached the perpetrator who had progressed to level five [of the mall] by then, while she hurried to catch up with him. He turned towards her, brandishing a knife. She fired her weapon, resulting in the individual's death," Cooke explained.

Eight additional individuals were transported to the hospital for medical care. Australian media reported, and police confirmed, that among the injured was an infant.

A witness informed 9News that the baby was stabbed.

The witness and his brother stated that they assisted in applying pressure to the wounds of both the baby and the mother before they were transported to an ambulance.

"She got stabbed, and then she approached me with the baby and handed it to me while I was holding it," he explained.

The brother expressed optimism that the baby would recover from its injuries, but he noted that the mother was in critical condition, with significant bleeding from her mouth.

A witness at the mall informed Reuters that she witnessed a baby with stab wounds being transported to an ambulance.

Reese Colmenares was one of twenty individuals who sought refuge in a hardware store when panic ensued and people began fleeing from the mall, including the mother and her baby.

"She was terrified and deeply saddened, just holding and comforting the baby," she conveyed to Reuters.

Two additional witnesses reported hearing gunshots.

"One witness mentioned that even 20 minutes after people were evacuated from the mall, they observed SWAT teams combing through the nearby streets,"

Another witness reported seeing a woman lying on the ground and sought refuge in a jewelry store.

Cooke mentioned that the suspect had initially been in the shopping center, then left, and later returned to start attacking people inside the center.

At this moment, the motive, if there is one, and the identity of the suspect remain unknown. Cooke stated that there is "no evidence at the scene to suggest any motive or ideology."

When asked if officials were excluding terrorism as a possibility, Cooke responded, "We're not ruling anything out."

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese stated that the Australian Federal Police (AFP) has not yet determined whether this was an act of terror, but he did describe it as a "horrific act of violence."

"I believe the AFP commissioner has emphasized that speculating would not be beneficial at this moment. We should let the investigators carry out their work... I've also spoken tonight with the director-general of ASIO. The motive is currently unknown, and we will certainly keep the Australian public informed as we gather more information," Albanese stated.

Albanese expressed that the nation extends its heartfelt condolences and sympathy to all those mourning the loss of a loved one and sends strength to those who have been injured.

"The scenes at Bondi Junction are beyond words or comprehension; Australians will be deeply shocked this evening," Albanese remarked. "This was an appalling act of violence that indiscriminately targeted innocent people going about their ordinary Saturday, simply doing their shopping."

The prime minister commended the first responders for their swift action on Saturday afternoon.

"We are all mindful of the dedicated efforts of doctors, nurses, and healthcare professionals who will be tirelessly working through the night to save lives and care for their fellow Australians."

"Today, Bondi Junction experienced tragic violence, but it also showcased the humanity and heroism of our fellow Australians. Our police, first responders, and ordinary citizens demonstrated remarkable courage and compassion in facing an unexpected crisis, as seen in some remarkable footage."