'Motives unknown': A critical discourse analysis of the Bondi attack – terrorism, mental health or misogyny?

This article critically examines public discourse surrounding the 2024 mass stabbing incident at Westfield Bondi Junction in Sydney, Australia, known as the "Bondi Attack," where six people were killed, five of whom were women. Using a feminist lens and critical discourse analysis of social media and media texts, the study identifies four dominant themes: associations of imminent threat with terrorism, race, and religion; perceived failures of government and media; stigmatization of mental illness; and the assignment of blame. The analysis reveals that despite clear evidence of gender-based violence, public and political discourse largely marginalized this aspect, focusing instead on terrorism and mental health narratives, while neglecting the broader public health crisis of violence against women. The article calls for coordinated interdisciplinary and political action to address systemic conditions enabling such violence and highlights the need for greater recognition of gendered violence in media, policy, and public health responses.