Man Goes on Stabbing Spree at New Zealand Supermarket

Shoppers and staff at a New Zealand supermarket were being praised for their bravery Monday after authorities said they managed to stop a frenzied man from hurting others after he stabbed four people in a random attack, critically wounding three of them. Some reports put the number injured at five. New Zealand Police Superintendent Paul Basham said he'd watched CCTV footage of the attack at a Countdown supermarket in the city of Dunedin and the actions of the bystanders in detaining the man until police arrived was “nothing short of heroic.” “What I can say is that those that intervened, some of whom became injured themselves, I think have acted selflessly and with great courage to prevent this man from hurting anybody else,” Basham said. Two of those wounded were supermarket staff members, the AP reports.

Police said the suspect was also injured and was being treated for his wounds under police guard. Police expected to charge him later Monday. Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said the motivation for the attack had not been established but police didn't have any evidence to suggest it was domestic terrorism. “Needless to say that such an attack is hugely concerning, and I do want to acknowledge the really early reports of courageous acts by bystanders who have taken action in order to protect those around them,” Ardern said. “Our thoughts are with all those affected by this attack.” Ardern said five people had been taken to Dunedin Hospital with stab wounds or related injuries. Health authorities said three of the wounded had been admitted to the intensive care unit at Dunedin Hospital.

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