Terror on our streets

On Friday afternoon, the city of Melbourne was brought to a stand-still.

One man, a blazing car and a knife caused chaos. Peak-hour traffic, pedestrians, public transport all halted. Countless witnesses who now can’t unsee what unfolded in front of them. Nightmares, tears, grief, pain and loss. Unanswered questions.

All of because of one man. One man and a crazy plan.

The shock of this event being a terror attack made us shake, seethe, fear, and fight back. As in any horrific incident, there are always helpers. Always those people who jump in, seemingly without thought or panic, to keep others safe.

The city saw our police force descend on the area quickly and take control of the area. They cordoned off streets, evacuated shoppers from hundreds of small businesses, shops and centres. They held people at bay, urging them to stay back, for their own safety. Thanks Vic Pol.

We saw a passer-by, now identified as a homeless man, intervene alongside the police, not thinking of his own welfare. He was armed only with a trolley, pushing it at the terrorist to keep him from stabbing any other innocent people, and to keep him from returning to the vehicle, loaded with gas cylinders.

It is dreadful to think of the one life lost—a  much loved and respected Melburnian who just happened to be out for a walk, away from his iconic espresso bar—as well as those who were injured.

I cringe at the thought of what might have happened, had these cylinders blown up. But, thanks to our well-trained police who shot at the terrorist, this was prevented from becoming an actuality. The terrorist later died in hospital from injuries caused by the gunshot. You can argue whether that is fortunate or unfortunate in a place other than here. Please, argue about police with guns and taking of life elsewhere. I have only good things to say about the way this incident was handled.

These attacks are senseless. I am both angered and confused by them. What sort of deranged person allows themselves to be radicalised for hatred and death. How does this happen? I seethe over their stupid, blind, unwavering faith in the idea that killing innocent people must be done to further their cause. That radicalised individuals actually think that by instilling fear into the lives of everyday people, their voice will be heard, understood, accepted. No. I will never understand these methods.

So put away your guns, knives, and fucked-up ideas about religion and politics.

I choose peace. I dare you to choose it with me.

 

Photo by Weyne Yew on Unsplash