Auckland, New Zealand – A restaurant in Auckland, New Zealand, has been cordoned off by police tape following an incident on Monday night. Reports indicate that a man armed with an axe launched a random attack on diners at three nearby Chinese restaurants, resulting in several people being hospitalized. Eyewitnesses and authorities have confirmed the incident.
In New Zealand, a man wielding an axe carried out an unprovoked attack on patrons at three adjacent Chinese restaurants, leaving four individuals injured. This information was confirmed by both law enforcement officials and eyewitnesses.
According to the police, the assault commenced around 9 p.m. on Monday in Albany, a suburb located in the northern region of Auckland.
Following the incident, the police swiftly apprehended a 24-year-old suspect at the location. The individual, identified as a Chinese national, was charged with wounding with the intent to cause grievous bodily harm. On Tuesday, the suspect made a short appearance in court. While the authorities have not provided a motive for the attack, they have stated that there is no immediate evidence to suggest that it was racially motivated.
What conjured for the Axe attack?
On Tuesday, Auckland City Hospital confirmed that one patient injured in the attack was still admitted and in a stable condition. North Shore Hospital reported having one patient with moderate injuries and another with minor injuries, both of whom were also in stable condition. Additionally, they had discharged a third patient who was previously being treated for injuries related to the incident.
According to an eyewitness account provided to the New Zealand Herald newspaper, a diner mentioned that he and his friend were having dinner when the assailant entered the restaurant and began attacking his friend. The friend sustained severe injuries as a result of the assault.
The unnamed individual who witnessed the attack shared with the Herald, “I was in shock. When I realized what was happening, he tried to target me. I instinctively blocked his axe with my hand. He was also attempting to strike my head, so I used my hand to block the axe.” The brave individual intervened to protect himself from the attacker’s assault.
According to the diner’s account, after the initial attack, the assailant pursued them out of the restaurant. Subsequently, the attacker changed direction and proceeded to enter another nearby restaurant.
Surveillance footage published by a news website depicted individuals fleeing from one of the affected restaurants. Notably, one person can be seen running out in reverse while using a chair as a makeshift barricade, closely followed by another person carrying a weapon.
Law enforcement officials have indicated that they anticipate filing additional charges against the perpetrator, whom they believe acted alone in the attack. In response to the incident, the police have heightened their presence in the vicinity of the affected restaurants as a precautionary measure.
Inspector Stefan Sagar expressed empathy for those directly affected by the incident and the broader community. In a statement, he conveyed their acknowledgment of the frightening nature of the event and assured that support is being provided for the victims, as well as their friends and family.
During the defendant’s court appearance, he received assistance from a Chinese language interpreter. The defendant was not obligated to enter a plea at that time. Furthermore, temporary name suppression was granted to the defendant, which is a common outcome in New Zealand’s legal system.
The establishments that the attacker entered were Yues Dumpling Kitchen, Zhangliang Malatang, and Maya Hotpot. These restaurants, located in a cluster on the street, aim to provide diners with affordable options reminiscent of Chinese street food offerings.
