The man killed in yesterday’s terror attack on Bourke Street in Melbourne has been identified as beloved cafe owner Sisto Malaspina. He had owned Pellegrini’s cafe sine 1974 and helped found the city’s coffee culture.
Pellegrini’s is famous for being the first cafe in Melbourne to have an espresso machine and is a beloved spot amongst locals as well as food critics across Australia. Tributes from locals and the food community have poured out since news of his death broke.
Yesterday’s attack saw 31 year old Mohammad Khalif drive his car into the busy street where it was set alight. He then began to attack people, stabbing Malaspina and two other men who are in stable conditions in hospital.
According to reports, Malaspina originally went to help the attacker when his car caught on fire which is when the attacker stabbed him. Pellegrini’s is closed and under police guard for the rest of the weekend.
The police have advised Melbourne residents that planned events in the city over the weekend will go ahead and that there is no threat of more attacks at this point. There will be more police on Bourke Street and surrounding areas in the coming weeks to ensure the community feels safe.
