January 1, Axe-Wielding Man Attacks Diners

President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed into law the… READ MORE ABOUT THIS HISTORIC DAY HERE

An evening at three neighboring Chinese restaurants in Auckland, New Zealand, turned violent when a 24-year-old man armed with an axe began randomly attacking diners, leaving four people hospitalized. The attack occurred in the north Auckland suburb of Albany at about 9 p.m. on Monday.

WARNING: GRAPHIC CONTENT – A man wielding an axe entered three Chinese restaurants in Auckland, New Zealand, sending four people to hospital, authorities and local media reported https://t.co/YQQGvaYBpQ pic.twitter.com/a4dN7oeKPJ

— Reuters (@Reuters) June 20, 2023

The man was arrested at the scene, and has been charged with wounding and intending to cause grievous bodily harm, according to police. As of now, police have not revealed a motive behind the attack.

One of the victims remains in Auckland City Hospital in stable condition. North Shore Hospital is currently treating two patients with moderate and minor injuries respectively. They have also discharged a third patient earlier.

A diner, who wished to remain anonymous, recounted the horrifying incident to the New Zealand Herald. The man entered the restaurant and began attacking his friend, leaving him seriously injured. He tried to defend himself by blocking the axe with his hand when the attacker targeted him. The assailant chased them out of the restaurant and then proceeded to enter another one.

Acting Detective Inspector Timothy Williams confirmed that they are not seeking anyone else in relation to the incident, indicating that the suspect acted alone. He mentioned that more charges are expected to be filed, and the suspect is due for his first court appearance on Tuesday.

The three restaurants where the man attacked are Yues Dumpling Kitchen, Zhangliang Malatang, and Maya Hotpot.

---

Source