Overview

• The CCTV control room was left unattended for 1 minute and 40 seconds during the attack, hindering situational awareness and delaying response efforts.
• Public alerts were issued nearly 20 minutes after the attack began, significantly delaying communication to shoppers about the threat.
• Concerns had been raised prior to the attack about the competency of the sole CCTV operator on duty, who had been left alone despite prior performance issues.
• Security staff experienced severe trauma, with only two members of the team able to return to full-time work following the attack.
• Post-attack reforms by Westfield security include additional armed-offender training, the issuance of stab-resistant vests, and a review of emergency protocols.