Senin, 15 April 2024

Trump hush money trial begins in New York: Why is the case so significant? - Al Jazeera English

Former United States President Donald Trump is set to face his first criminal trial at a New York court on Monday over hush money allegedly paid to adult film actress Stormy Daniels in the lead-up to his election win in 2016.

In March last year, prosecutors filed an indictment that made Trump the first former president of the US to face a criminal trial. They allege that the payments, falsely recorded as legal expenses, were used to bury allegations that might have hurt him during the 2016 presidential campaign.

Here is what you need to know about the case, key witnesses, and what this means for the presidential hopeful.

What is the hush money case about, and what is Trump accused of?

The hush money case revolves around allegations that Trump paid off several people during the 2016 presidential campaign to silence their claims that he engaged in extramarital sexual encounters.

Trump is alleged to have made these payments through lawyer Michael Cohen. The key evidence is a $130,000 payment made to Daniels, who was ready to go public about a sexual encounter she had with Trump in 2006, a year after he married Melania Trump.

He is also accused of facilitating hush money payments of $150,000 to former Playboy model Karen McDougal over claims of an affair, and $30,000 to a Trump Tower doorman who claimed to have a story about a child Trump had fathered.

While the payments themselves are not illegal, Trump is accused of violating federal campaign finance laws by failing to disclose money that was supposed to be used to boost his electoral chances, instead recording it as a “legal expense”.

Trump now faces 34 felony counts of falsifying business records linked to the payments in this New York state criminal trial.

Interactive_Trump's arrest

When is Trump’s trial expected to start and where?

The trial will start at 9:30am EDT (13:00 GMT) on Monday, April 15. The day’s proceedings, which will be held at New York County Criminal Court in New York City, are expected to end at 4:30pm (20:00 GMT).

Why has this trial generated so much interest?

This is the first time a former US president is being prosecuted for a crime.

“We don’t have any history in 235 years of a former president being prosecuted in this way. The closest we got was President Richard Nixon in Watergate, but he was pardoned by President Ford, so he wasn’t convicted,” Bruce Fein, an American lawyer specialising in constitutional and international law, told Al Jazeera.

Trump has been indicted over three other criminal cases since Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg brought the hush money charges in March 2023, but those are yet to officially begin.

Amid the several criminal and civil trials he is facing, Trump has continued to campaign for a second term in office as part of the 2024 presidential race while topping polls, hoping to beat incumbent President Joe Biden and return to the White House.

INTERACTIVE - Donald Trump four criminal cases-1692088265

Who is the judge presiding over the case?

Judge Juan Merchan is presiding over the case. A 12-member jury will decide whether Trump is guilty while Merchan will determine any penalties.

Beginning Monday, the jurors from New York will be shortlisted over at least a week. Potential jurors are randomly selected from voter rolls and other state records and then given a questionnaire. The prosecution and defence each get to disqualify 10 people from the jury pool.

Experts say it may be a challenging process to find jurors who do not already have an opinion on the businessman-turned-politician.

Questions in the list approved by Merchan include whether prospective jurors have attended a rally or campaign event for Trump, whether they follow Trump on social media and whether they have feelings about how he has been treated in the hush money case.

How long is the trial expected to last?

The trial is expected to last six to eight weeks, although this “depends upon how open and candid witnesses are”, said Fein.

If Trump takes the witness stand, which he is unlikely to, that would also make the case longer rather than shorter, added Fein.

Trump is expected to be in court on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays from 9:30am to 4:30pm.

Will Trump’s trial be televised?

No, New York state prohibits nearly all audio and visual coverage during trials.

Judges may choose to make an exception, but Judge Merchan has not allowed cameras in his courtroom in the past. At most, photos and videos may be taken before or right after the proceedings.

Who are the key witnesses in the case?

While the prosecutors have not released their official list of witnesses, key expected figures include Daniels, McDougal, and Trump’s former lawyer, Cohen.

Cohen, who pleaded guilty last year and served federal prison time, is now a prosecution witness.

Another key witness expected in the case is David Pecker, who was CEO of American Media, the parent company of the tabloid National Enquirer, up until 2020. He is said to have been Trump’s eyes and ears for any damaging stories in the lead-up to the presidential election.

American Media paid McDougal and the Trump Tower doorman in exchange for exclusive rights to their stories, which gave the company the authority to quash them. American Media escaped any prosecution in return for its cooperation in the campaign finance investigation that led to Cohen’s guilty plea and prison sentence.

What can we expect from the defence?

Trump denies ever having an affair with Daniels and claims the payment was made to protect his family from false allegations, not to sway the election.

The defence may also continue with its strategy from previous trials, which is to paint such cases as politically motivated.

What happens if Trump is convicted?

If convicted, each charge carries a maximum of four years in prison, although just a fine or probation are also possibilities. If there are multiple prison sentences, the judge would decide whether those would run concurrently or consecutively.

Experts say some prison time is likely considering Trump’s comments and behaviour since the case.

“Typically, one of the very, very major considerations in deciding prison or not is how remorseful the defendant is. How likely is it that the defendant would recidivate if not sanctioned very strictly,” asked Fein. “I do think that if he’s convicted, it would be very improbable given his character that he wouldn’t serve at least some prison time.”

Even in the event of prison time, however, there is a customary gap between a conviction and sentencing. Trump’s legal team would almost certainly appeal any decisions around the two, thereby delaying the prospect of him spending time behind bars.

Will this hurt or help Trump’s election chances?

According to the US Constitution, Trump is allowed to seek the presidency even if he is convicted. Additionally, polls of Republican primary voters show the majority of them would support Trump as the party’s nominee even if he is convicted of a crime.

Experts say this might not be the case if there is an actual conviction.

“I think there would be a slice of people who would take things more seriously at that moment. He would be a convicted felon, and those words have some weight for some voters,” Craig Green, a professor of law and government at Temple University, told Al Jazeera.

While the trial goes on, it could also affect his ability to campaign.

Having to show up to court is likely to create a scheduling headache for the Republican candidate, especially with other cases that are also expected to begin over the next few months.

What are other trials Trump will face?

Since the hush money indictment, Trump has been indicted in three other criminal cases.

One of these is mishandling classified documents in Florida, brought forward in June 2023. Two others, filed in August 2023, involve attempts to overthrow the 2020 election in Georgia, and the January 6, 2021, attack on the US Capitol, when thousands of his supporters tried to overturn the results of the election that Biden had won.

Judges are yet to set a start date for these other trials. Prosecutors have proposed an August 5 start for the Georgia case, and Judge Aileen Cannon previously suggested a May start for the classified documents case.

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2024-04-15 09:23:34Z
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UK shot Iran drones to de-escalate conflict, David Cameron says - BBC

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The UK joined Israel's defence against Iran in order to prevent an escalation of the conflict, Lord Cameron has said.

RAF jets intercepted a small number of drones bound for Israel in Iran's first ever direct attack on its territory.

The foreign secretary told the BBC the attack was a "double defeat" for Iran that could have resulted in thousands of casualties and led to greater escalation had it been successful.

He is urging Israel to be "smart" and "tough" as it considers its response.

Speaking to BBC Radio 4's Today programme, the former prime minister added that Israel should turn its focus once more to the situation in Gaza and securing a deal to get the hostages home.

"This in many ways has been a double defeat for Iran," he said.

"Not only was the operation almost wholly unsuccessful - almost all the weapons were shot down - but also in a second defeat the whole world can see... they are the malign influence in the region."

Lord Cameron added that the UK did not support a retaliatory strike, echoing US President Joe Biden's comment that Israel should "take the win".

"Now is the time to be smart as well as tough, a time to think with head as well as heart."

The UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres and Germany's foreign minister Annalena Baerbock have also called for calm, while French President Emmanuel Macron said France would do everything possible to avoid what he described as a regional conflagration.

It is unclear how Israel plans to respond, but a member of its war cabinet, Benny Gantz, has said it will "exact a price" when the timing is right.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak is expected to give further details about British involvement in repelling Iran in the House of Commons on Monday.

Iran launched about 300 weapons at Israel overnight on Saturday and into Sunday, in a widely-anticipated retaliatory attack.

Lord Cameron said that included 110 ballistic missiles and 36 cruise missiles.

The Israeli military confirmed it had intercepted the majority of the attacks - mostly outside of Israel's airspace - with the help of other countries.

Attack drones were intercepted by the RAF in Syrian and Iraqi airspace, where it was already operating with the US as part of the Operation Shader mission against the Islamic State group.

Lord Cameron confirmed the UK's role was to "backfill" for the US and the RAF had agreed to shoot down Iranian drones if they came through that airspace.

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The Ministry of Defence has not said how many RAF Typhoons were airborne, nor how many weapons it shot down.

Iran's attacks come after Tehran vowed to retaliate over a strike on its consulate in Syria on 1 April, which killed seven Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps officers, including a top commander.

The Iranian government has accused Israel of carrying out that attack, but Israel has neither confirmed nor denied it.

Lord Cameron said the response by Iran was of a "different order" to the consulate strike, adding that the UK acted "entirely in our national interest" by getting involved to avoid further escalation.

Iran and Israel were allies until the Islamic Revolution in 1979, which ushered in an era of tensions between the two nations.

Attacks on Israel up until this point had been conducted through the funding and arming of Iran's proxies - the Houthis in Yemen, Hezbollah in Lebanon and Hamas in Gaza.

The war in Gaza was triggered after waves of Hamas gunmen stormed across the southern border, killing about 1,200 people and taking more than 250 hostage.

Israel vowed to eliminate Hamas and has launched retaliatory operations in Gaza which have killed more than 33,000 people, including thousands of children, according to the Hamas-run health ministry.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had been coming under increasing international pressure over how his government was handling the conflict, including over allowing more access to aid.

Lord Cameron maintained the UK's repeated position of Israel's right to self-defence and said he was focused on bringing about a pause in fighting followed by a sustainable ceasefire.

He said applying an arms embargo, which some have called for, would have looked "ridiculous" in light of the 7 October attacks.

In response to the UK's involvement, Labour's Shadow Defence Secretary John Healey told the BBC: "We need to hear the reasons for the military action, the legal basis for it" and what the government is doing to "pursue the path of peace and a ceasefire in Gaza".

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2024-04-15 10:02:20Z
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Sydney stabbings: Joel Cauchi's parents 'extremely sorry' after son kills six people - Sky News

The parents of the Sydney stabbings attacker say they are "extremely sorry" after their son killed six people.

New South Wales Police identified the man behind the attack at the Westfield Shopping Centre in Bondi Junction on Saturday as Joel Cauchi, 40.

He was shot and killed by an officer after fatally stabbing six people - five women and one man - and injuring several others, including a nine-month-old baby.

Read more:
Who is the 'hero' officer who stopped Sydney attacker?

Speaking on Monday outside their home, Andrew Cauchi said he was "heartbroken" for the victims and "extremely sorry".

The 76-year-old added: "I made myself a servant to my son when I found out he had a mental illness.

"He's my son. And I'm loving a monster - to you, he's a monster. To me, he was a very sick boy."

New South Wales Police are looking into the possibility that Cauchi targeted women in the attack.

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Sydney knifeman 'targeting women'

'Absolute nightmare'

Mr Cauchi suggested the reason his son - who suffered from schizophrenia - may have targeted women was because "he wanted a girlfriend".

"He's got no social skills and he was frustrated out of his brain," he said.

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His wife, Michele Cauchi, also told reporters: "This is a parents' absolute nightmare, when they have a child with mental illness, that something like this could happen.

"And my heart goes out to the people our son has hurt. If he was in his right mind, he would be absolutely devastated at what he's done.

"But he obviously was not in his right mind. He'd somehow, had been triggered into a psychosis and he'd lost touch with reality."

Sixth victim named

It comes after the sixth person who died in the attack was named as Yixuan Cheng.

Yixuan Cheng
Image: Yixuan Cheng

The 25-year-old Chinese national was studying for a master's degree in economics at the University of Sydney, according to Sky News Australia.

Her name was confirmed by Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese a day after the other victims were named.

Ashlee Good, a 38-year-old mum, tried to save her nine-month-old baby Harriet when she was attacked by Cauchi.

She was said to have passed her baby to two men after she was badly injured.

(Clockwise) Yixuan Cheng, Dawn Singleton, Ashlee Good, Faraz Tahir, Pikria Darchia and  Jade Young
Image: (Clockwise) Yixuan Cheng, Dawn Singleton, Ashlee Good, Faraz Tahir, Pikria Darchia and Jade Young

Dawn Singleton, 25 and the daughter of well-known Australian entrepreneur John Singleton, was also stabbed.

New South Wales Police also named 47-year-old Jade Young, an architect in Sydney, and 55-year-old Pikria Darchia as victims on Sunday.

Faraz Tahir, 30, who worked as a security guard at the Westfield Shopping Centre, was also killed in the attack.

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Minggu, 14 April 2024

Iran warns conflict 'not over yet' after downing drones and missiles from Iran - live - The Independent

Israel Defense Forces releases statement amidst Iranian attack

Israel has warned that the conflict with Iran is “not over yet” as it considers its response to the 330 drones and missiles launched fired overnight by Tehran.

Sirens wailed and heavy thuds and bangs were heard from what local media called aerial interceptions of explosive drones on Saturday night.

The Israeli military said more than 99 per cent of the drones and missiles were intercepted with help from allies including the US, UK and France - but several ballistic missiles reached Israeli territory, causing minor damage to an air base.

Rishi Sunak confirmed that RAF jets had been involved: “I can confirm that our planes did shoot down a number of Iranian attack drones. I want to pay tribute to the bravery and professionalism of our pilots flying into the face of danger to protect civilians.”

The prime minister called for “calm heads to prevail” following the assaul and ahead of a meeting of G7 leaders amid fears of further escalation in the event of a possible Israeli counter-strike.

The attack came amid rising tensions following an attack on the Iranian consulate in the Syrian capital Damascus.

Tehran had vowed retaliation for the strike earlier this month which killed several of its senior military leaders even as the US and its allies made intense diplomatic efforts to try and contain the fallout.

1713100588

Netherlands advises against all travel to Israel

he Dutch government on Sunday advised against all travel to Israel due to the uncertain security situation following overnight air strikes by Iran.

“Iran and a number of allies carried out airstrikes against Israel with missiles and drones. It cannot be ruled out that further attacks may follow,” the Foreign Ministry said in an updated travel advisory.

Athena Stavrou14 April 2024 14:16
1713095437

Watch: Circle of knowledge on Middle East conflict has to be very tight, says Tory minister

Rishi Sunak is expected to join US President Joe Biden on the call on Sunday amid fears of further escalation in the event of a possible Israeli counter-strike.

Ms Atkins was asked whether the Cabinet was consulted before RAF planes were deployed to protect Israel agains the Iran attack when she appeared on BBC’s Sunday With Laura Kuenssberg programme today.

She replied: “Of course there are relevant Cabinet ministers in that (Cobra) meeting.”

Circle of knowledge on Middle East conflict has to be very tight, says Tory minister

Tory minister Victoria Atkins has said the “circle of knowledge” on the conflict in the Middle East has to be “very, very tight”, as G7 leaders hold urgent talks after Iran launched an unprecedented attack on Israel. Rishi Sunak is expected to join US President Joe Biden on the call on Sunday (14 April) amid fears of further escalation in the event of a possible Israeli counter-strike. Ms Atkins was asked whether the Cabinet was consulted before RAF planes were deployed to protect Israel against the Iran attack when she appeared on BBC’s Sunday With Laura Kuenssberg programme today. She replied: “Of course, there are relevant Cabinet ministers in that (Cobra) meeting.”

Lucy Leeson14 April 2024 12:50
1713095024

Iran notified neighbours of strikes

Iran notified its neighbours of its strikes on Israel 72 hours in advance, Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian said on Sunday.

“About 72 hours prior to our operations, we informed our friends and neighbours in the region that Iran’s response against Israel was certain, legitimate, and irrevocable,” Amirabdollahian said at a press conference.

Athena Stavrou14 April 2024 12:43
1713094344

Sunak says Iran ‘determined to sew discord’ in ‘their own back yard'

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said of Iran’s attack on Israel: “This was a dangerous and unnecessary attack.”

“It’s clear that Iran is determined to sew discord” in the region “in their own back yard”, he added.

“If (the attack was) successful the fallout for regional stability would be hard to overstate.”

Athena Stavrou14 April 2024 12:32
1713093776

Sunak chairs Cobra meeting ahead of G7 meeting this afternoon

Rishi Sunak said he chaired a Cobra meeting with Cabinet ministers on Friday to “agree a plan of action” over Iran’s attack on Israel, as the Prime Minister confirmed additional RAF pilots were sent to the region.

He said the UK already has a military presence in the Middle East as part of its operations against the so-called Islamic State in Iraq and Syria.

Mr Sunak said he will be meeting with G7 leaders later this afternoon.

Athena Stavrou14 April 2024 12:22
1713093749

Sunak confirms RAF shot down Iranian drones

Speaking from Downing Street, Rishi Sunak said: “I want to pay tribute to the bravery of our pilots.”

He said lives were saved “not just in Israel, but in neighbouring countries such as Jordan as well”.

“I can confirm that our pilots did shoot down a number of Iranian attack drones.”

He said Iran sent both missiles and attack drones and did not specify how many were shot down by RAF forces.

(Benjamin Cremel /PA Wire)
Athena Stavrou14 April 2024 12:22
1713089260

Sunak to join G7 leaders in urgent talks after Iran attacks Israel

G7 leaders are to hold urgent talks after Iran launched an unprecedented attack on Israel that saw RAF jets deployed to shoot down drones from Tehran.

Rishi Sunak is expected to join US President Joe Biden on the call on Sunday amid fears of further escalation in the event of a possible Israeli counter-strike.

Britain and the US have offered staunch support for Israel, with the Ministry of Defence saying RAF warplanes in Iraq and Syria had been deployed to intercept “any airborne attacks within range of our existing missions”.

(PA Wire)
Athena Stavrou14 April 2024 11:07
1713087520

Israeli war cabinet to meet at 12:30 GMT, says Israeli official

Israel’s war cabinet is due to meet at 3:30pm (12:30pm GMT) to discuss a response to the drone and missile attack launched by Iran overnight, an Israeli official said.

Athena Stavrou14 April 2024 10:38
1713086293

Watch: Explosions light up Amman sky as Iran launches dozens of missiles and drones at Israel

Iran launched dozens of missiles and drones toward Israel in the early hours of Sunday morning.

Residents reported seeing missiles in the sky and hearing explosions, likely from interceptions above the Jordanian capital.

The Israeli military says Iran fired more than 100 bomb-carrying drones toward Israel.

Hours later, Iran announced it had also launch much more destructive ballistic missiles and cruise missiles.

Iran had been threatening to attack Israel after an airstrike earlier this week widely blamed on Israel destroyed Iran’s consulate in Syria, killing 12 people, including two elite Iranian generals.

Watch here:

Brian Alford14 April 2024 10:18
1713086062

Victoria Atkins said the “circle of knowledge” on the conflict in the Middle East has to be “very, very tight”

The health secretary has been tight-lipped about the UK response to Iran when asked whether the Cabinet was consulted before RAF planes were deployed to protect Israel.

Speaking to the BBC’s Sunday With Laura Kuenssberg programme, the Health Secretary said: “Of course there are relevant Cabinet ministers in that (Cobra) meeting.

“You will appreciate the circle of knowledge on this has to be very, very tight because of the sensitivities and the danger that is involved for everyone in the region.”

Asked whether the Government would proscribe the Iranian Revolutionary Guard, she said: “We keep all of these issues under constant review.”

Ms Atkins said she is “not in a position to confirm or deny” whether British jets have already shot down Iranian drones.

Zoe Grunewald14 April 2024 10:14

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2024-04-14 12:54:11Z
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RAF fighter jets shot down Iran drones, Rishi Sunak says - BBC

RAF TyphoonReuters

British fighter jets shot down "a number of drones" fired at Israel from Iran, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said.

The UK was one of several countries, including the US, which helped counter Iran's unprecedented attack - its first ever direct strike on Israeli soil.

Additional RAF jets were deployed over Iraq and Syria, not Israel, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) said.

Mr Sunak, who condemned Iran's "reckless attack", will join G7 leaders on Sunday to discuss next steps.

Speaking to journalists in Downing Street, Mr Sunak said if Iran's attack on Israel been successful "the fallout for regional stability would be hard to overstate".

He did not specify how many drones were shot down by British forces.

Attack drones were intercepted by the RAF in Syrian and Iraqi airspace, where it was already operating as part of the Operation Shader mission against the Islamic State group.

The MoD did not say how many RAF Typhoons were airborne but said the RAF would repel "any airborne attacks within range" of its operations in the region.

Iran launched hundreds of aerial drones and cruise missiles at Israel overnight on Saturday and into Sunday, in a widely anticipated retaliatory attack.

The Israeli military said it had intercepted the majority of the attacks - mostly outside of Israel's airspace - with the help of other countries.

The US was one of those allies, with President Biden confirming the US military helped Israel shoot down "nearly all" of Iran's drones and missiles.

Jordan also assisted in taking out some Iranian drones, according to security sources cited by the Reuters news agency.

Mr Sunak said it was clear Iran was "determined to sow discontent and destabilise the region, its own backyard".

He went on to pledge the UK's continued support for the security of Israel and the wider region and called for "calm heads to prevail".

"We'll be working with our allies to de-escalate the situation and I look forward to speaking to G7 leaders this afternoon," he said.

Iran's attacks come after Tehran vowed to retaliate over a strike on its consulate in Syria on 1 April, which killed seven Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps officers, including a top commander.

The Iranian government has accused Israel of carrying out that attack, but Israel has neither confirmed nor denied it.

Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer said the party supported all measures "designed to restore calm" and prevent a wider regional war.

In a statement, he condemned Iran's "decision to subject Israelis to these unacceptable attacks".

"The international community has been united in urging restraint and we regret that yet again Iran has chosen a different, dangerous path," Mr Starmer added.

Shadow home secretary Yvette Cooper told the BBC that Labour wanted to hear from the prime minister in Parliament on Monday because of the "seriousness" and "real concerns about potential escalation".

Conservative MP Tobias Ellwood, who chaired the Commons Defence Select Committee until his resignation over comments made about Taliban-rule in Afghanistan, told BBC Breakfast: "When it comes to a state-on-state attack, it's very clear that Britain will stand with Israel to defend its skies and soil."

But he said allies would be encouraging Israel "to take stock, to think carefully before responding otherwise this could tie the Middle East up into a wider regional war that would invariably include Israel's ally the United States".

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2024-04-14 11:57:20Z
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Sydney stabbing: Bondi Junction attacker named as Joel Cauchi as victims identified - The Independent

Emergency services respond after multiple people stabbed at Sydney shopping centre

The knife attacker who killed six people in a stabbing spree at a Sydney shopping centre before being shot dead was a 40-year-old man with mental health issues, police have said.

New South Wales Police said they had identified the attacker as Joel Cauchi, of Queensland, with his family describing his actions as “truly horrific”.

Shoppers were left terrified after Cauchi began attacking random members of the public at Westfield Bondi Junction on Saturday afternoon, before he was shot dead by a “hero” lone police officer.

Four of his victims have now been identified, and include first-time mother Ash Good, 38, who was killed while desperately trying to save her nine-month-old baby, who was also wounded and has undergone surgery.

One eyewitness reported seeing Ms Good’s baby with stab wounds, with the “terrified” mother attempting to console her child as they were taken to an ambulance.

His other victims include 25-year-old Dawn Singleton, security guard Faraz Tahir, and 47-year-old architect and surf enthusiast Jade Young.

Other witnesses reported hearing gunshots as they hid inside stores, with one saying of the attacker: “He had a nice big blade on him. He looked like he was on a killing spree.”

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Sydney mall attack: Everything we know so far

Videos have since emerged of the attacker, identified as Joel Cauchi, wearing a rugby league shirt and carrying a large blade, with shoppers fleeing in panic.

Read the full article here:

Holly Evans14 April 2024 12:45
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Family tribute to ‘beautiful’ mother Ashlee Good

A statement obtained by Australia’s national broadcaster ABC from Ashlee Good’s family said: “Today we are reeling from the terrible loss of Ashlee, a beautiful mother, daughter, sister, partner, friend, all-round outstanding human, and so much more.

“We appreciate the well wishes and thoughts of members of the Australian public who have expressed an outpouring of love for Ashlee and our baby girl.”

The statement continued: “We can report that after hours of surgery yesterday, our baby is currently doing well. We are so grateful for the expert care and attention of the medical team at Sydney Children’s Hospital.

Ashlee Good died while trying to defend her nine-month-old child
Ashlee Good died while trying to defend her nine-month-old child (Family handout/Schillings/PA Wire)

“The two men who held and cared for our baby when Ashlee could not – words cannot express our gratitude. We are struggling to come to terms with what has occurred.”

A statement from Australian Rules Football club North Melbourne shared their condolences for Ms Good. Her father Kerry played 74 games for the club and served as a director.

The club wore black armbands in honour of Ashlee during their match on Sunday.

Holly Evans14 April 2024 12:13
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More details emerge of knifeman’s itinerant lifestyle

Cauchi had recently moved to Sydney, the capital of New South Wales, from neighbouring Queensland. Police said they had searched a small storage facility he had been renting but found no major evidence to indicate an attack was coming.

He had been diagnosed with mental health issues when he was 17 and had been in contact with police frequently in the past four to five years, said Queensland Police assistant commissioner Roger Lowe. Cauchi had not been arrested or charged with any crimes in Queensland, he added.

Cauchi led an itinerant lifestyle, had recently been sleeping in his car and had only infrequently stayed in touch with his mother via text messages, Lowe said.

His family had contacted the police after seeing footage of the attack on television.

Holly Evans14 April 2024 11:46
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Fifth victim named as artist Pikria Darchia

The fifth victim of the stabbing spree was identified by police as 55-year-old Pikria Darchia.

Ms Darchia described herself as an artist on her LinkedIn profile, which stated she worked in the Georgian capital of Tbilisi from 2003 to 2013 as a designer.

She then spent three years studying at Sydney’s City East Community College in Bondi Junction from 2013.

Pikria Darchia has been confirmed as the fifth victim killed in the stabbing
Pikria Darchia has been confirmed as the fifth victim killed in the stabbing (Family handout/New South Wales Police/PA Wire)
She had previously resided in Georgia before moving to Sydney
She had previously resided in Georgia before moving to Sydney (Family handout/New South Wales Police/PA Wire)
Holly Evans14 April 2024 11:37
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Pictured: Hero police officer who shot dead Sydney knifeman

The heroic police officer who single-handedly stopped Joel Cauchi, the attacker at Westfield Bondi Junction, has been named and pictured.

Inspector Amy Scott had been carrying out routine duties nearby when she rushed to the shopping centre, shortly after reports emerged of the terrifying incident at around 3.30pm local time.

After being guided by members of the public, she approached the knifeman and shot her firearm after he lunged towards her with his blade.

Inspector Amy Scott bravely shot knifeman Joel Cauchi after tracking him down on her own
Inspector Amy Scott bravely shot knifeman Joel Cauchi after tracking him down on her own (via REUTERS)
Holly Evans14 April 2024 11:02
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Clothing boutique pays tribute to ‘kind-hearted’ employee

A clothing boutique has paid tribute to their employee Dawn Singleton, who has been named as one of the victims stabbed to death by knifeman Joel Cauchi.

It said: “In loving memory of Dawn. Over the weekend we lost not only an employee of White Fox but someone special to us who felt like a family member.

“We are all truly devastated by this loss. Dawn was a sweet, kind-hearted person who had her whole life ahead of her. She was really amazing.

“We send our love & deepest condolences to her partner, the Singleton family & her friends. She will always be remembered as part of the White Fox family.”

Holly Evans14 April 2024 10:47
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Fourth victim identified as architect Jade Young

The fourth victim has been confirmed by police as 47-year-old Jade Young, who worked as an architect in Sydney.

She was reportedly a member of Bronte Surf Life Saving Club, who issued a statement following the news of her death.

They said: “This is and will be a difficult time for the community, and we encourage you to seek support from family, friends, fellow club members or to speak to your GP to assist you in processing this tragedy. We are here to support the community, and our heartfelt condolences go out to everyone affected.”

Architect Jade Young is among those killed in the Sydney shopping mall knife attack
Architect Jade Young is among those killed in the Sydney shopping mall knife attack (New South Wales Police)
Holly Evans14 April 2024 10:15
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Daughter of Australian businessman named as one of the victims

The daughter of an Australian businessman has been named as one of the six victims of the stabbing attack at a Sydney shopping centre.

According to widespread media reports in Australia, Dawn Singleton, 25, was killed in the attack at the Westfield shopping centre at Bondi Junction, in the east of Sydney.

John Singleton, 82, is a well-known entrepreneur in Australia who built his success through advertising. He has eight children.

Read the full article here:

Holly Evans14 April 2024 10:03
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First responder Amy Scott ‘certainly a hero’, says prime minister

Police inspector Amy Scott, the first emergency responder on the scene who shot and killed attacker Joel Cauchi, was “certainly a hero”, prime minister Anthony Albanese said.

The wonderful inspector who ran into danger by herself and removed the threat that was there to others, without thinking about the risks to herself.

Anthony Albanese
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, NSW Premier Chris Minns (C) and Allegra Spender (L) lay floral tributes Oxford Street Mall at Westfield Bondi Junction on 14 April 2024 in Bondi Junction, Australia
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, NSW Premier Chris Minns (C) and Allegra Spender (L) lay floral tributes Oxford Street Mall at Westfield Bondi Junction on 14 April 2024 in Bondi Junction, Australia (Getty Images)
Namita Singh14 April 2024 08:48
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One of victims identified as Pakistani national

Six people — five women and one man, aged between 20 and 55 — were killed in the attack. Another 12 were injured and remain in hospital, including a 9-month-old child whose mother was killed in the attack.

The male victim was a security guard at the shopping center and was later identified as 30-year-old Faraz Tahir from Pakistan.

According to a written statement Sunday from the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community of Australia, Faraz had been in Australia for a less than a year and was a “cherished member of our community”.

Holly Evans14 April 2024 08:44

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