SYDNEY - Tributes flowed on April 14 for the six people killed in a random stabbing attack on April 13 in a busy shopping centre in New South Wales capital Sydney.

Those killed included 38-year-old Ash Good, the mother of a nine-month-old girl wounded in the attack, reported Australia’s Channel Nine news site.

AFP reported that Faraz Tahir, a 30-year-old Pakistani man, was named as the security guard killed in the attack, according to two local community groups the Australian Pakistani National Association and Ahmadiyya Muslim Community.

On the evening of April 14, members of the Muslim community held a silent vigil for the man, who is said to have moved to Australia in 2023.

The Australian Pakistani National Association encouraged the community to “stand together in solidarity, offering support and prayers to those grieving and affected by this heartbreaking loss”.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said on April 14 he had received condolence messages from his counterparts.

“I’ve received messages overnight from the leaders, including from President Biden, Prime Minister Sunak, Prime Minister Luxon and others in our region as well, expressing their condolences,” Mr Albanese said in Canberra, according to a transcript.

New South Wales Premier Chris Minns said on social media platform X late on April 13 that his “thoughts and prayers are with the victims, their families, and the police and emergency service responders”.

Tributes also came in from the British royal family, including King Charles, the official head of state in Australia.

“Our hearts go out to the families and loved ones of those who have been so brutally killed during such a senseless attack,” a statement from the King said on the royal family’s X account.

Prince William and Princess Kate said on X that their “thoughts are with all those affected, including the loved ones of those lost and the heroic emergency responders who risked their own lives to save others”.

From the Vatican, a top cardinal said Pope Francis was “deeply saddened to learn of the violent attack in Sydney”.

“He sends the assurance of his spiritual closeness to all affected by this senseless tragedy, especially those who are now mourning the loss of a loved one,” the Vatican telegram said.

Police have named the attacker as 40-year-old Queensland man Joel Cauchi. The authorities say Cauchi, shot dead by police at the scene, suffered mental health issues. They have ruled out terror or ideology as a motive.

Attacks such as the one on April 13 are rare in Australia, a country of about 26 million people that has some of the world’s toughest gun and knife laws. REUTERS, AFP