Man Shot Dead by Police After Allegedly Wielding Machete at Sydney Shopping Centre

SYDNEY – A man in his 20s was fatally shot by police on Saturday afternoon after allegedly brandishing a machete during a brawl at the Westfield Mt Druitt shopping centre in western Sydney.

New South Wales Police responded to reports of a fight involving two groups in the mall’s parking lot around 3:15 p.m. Upon arrival, uniformed officers were reportedly threatened by the man, who was allegedly armed with a machete. Police fired multiple shots in response.

Despite receiving first aid at the scene and treatment from paramedics, the man succumbed to his injuries.

The incident prompted police to declare a critical incident shortly after 4 p.m. Social media footage from the scene showed panic among shoppers and heavy police presence, with one witness claiming the man had been seen “running through the shops” wielding the weapon.

The NSW State Crime Command’s homicide squad has launched an investigation into the shooting, which will also be subject to review by the Professional Standards Command.