In a series of incidents on Monday, June 19, an ax-wielding assailant targeted three adjacent Chinese restaurants, resulting in four people sustaining injuries.
A 24-year-old Chinese national suspect was arrested, with authorities saying that the crime was not motivated by racial animosity. Inspector Stefan Sagar acknowledged the fear instilled in those directly affected and the wider community of Auckland, New Zealand, assuring the availability of support for the victims and their loved ones.
From 9pm, the perpetrator went on a rampage across the Auckland suburb, attacking Zhangliang Malatang, Yues Dumpling Kitchen and Maya hot pot restaurants. Police managed to detain the assailant, who now faces charges of wounding with intent to cause serious harm. Further charges are expected to be brought against him.
Of the four victims, three remain in stable condition in the hospital, having sustained moderate and minor injuries, while the fourth victim has already been discharged. A chef from one of the targeted restaurants described the aftermath as resembling a war zone. Recounting the distressing scene, the chef reported witnessing a young person aged in the mid-twenties, bloodied and later collapsing to the ground.
Eyewitnesses said that the suspect pursued people out of one restaurant before proceeding to attack patrons in another. Disturbing footage shared on the news platform Stuff depicted customers utilizing a chair and an unidentified object to keep the assailant at bay while others sought safety.
Law enforcement officials clarified that the perpetrator acted alone, finding no indications of a racially motivated motive behind the attacks. However, they have yet to disclose the assailant’s motive for the assault, as it appeared that customers were chosen randomly. During the suspect’s brief court appearance, a language interpreter assisted him, and he refrained from entering a plea.
