A 14-year-old boy has been arrested following a stabbing incident at the University of Sydney on Tuesday morning, prompting a temporary lockdown of university buildings.
New South Wales (NSW) state police reported that emergency services responded to the scene and treated a 22-year-old man who was subsequently hospitalized in serious but stable condition. The incident unfolded at the universityâs Camperdown campus, leading to an immediate response from campus security and local law enforcement.
According to police, the suspect boarded a bus after the stabbing and was apprehended near a hospital shortly afterward. Authorities have confirmed there is no ongoing threat to the community, and it appears the victim and the alleged attacker were not acquainted.
Police have cordoned off the area as part of their investigation, and a police presence remains on campus to ensure safety and gather evidence.
A University of Sydney spokesperson confirmed that a police operation was in progress, emphasizing the institutionâs cooperation with law enforcement during the investigation.
This incident follows two high-profile knife attacks in Sydney earlier this year, raising concerns about knife-related violence in the region. Two months ago, six people were killed and 12 injured in a knife attack at a Bondi beachside mall, and a separate attack saw an Assyrian church bishop wounded during a service in western Sydney. These attacks led to a review of knife laws in NSW.
In response to the recent wave of violence, the NSW state government enacted stricter knife laws in June. These laws empower police with electronic metal-detecting scanners for use in public places without a warrant and increase penalties for the sale of knives to minors. Sellers now face a maximum penalty of A$11,000 ($7,314), up to 12 months in prison, or both, for selling knives to anyone under the age of 16. Additionally, the sale of knives to individuals aged 16 or 17 is prohibited without a valid reason.
The new measures reflect a broader effort to curb knife-related incidents and enhance public safety across NSW.
As police continue their investigation into the University of Sydney stabbing, the focus remains on determining the motive behind the attack and ensuring the safety of the campus community. The swift arrest of the suspect highlights law enforcement’s prompt response to such incidents, aiming to reassure the public and prevent further occurrences.
