Man crashed into McDonald’s, chased terrified woman with knife

On the evening of March 25, 2021, in Sydney, Australia, an alarming incident unfolded at a local McDonald's restaurant located on George Street in the heart of the city. The incident involved a man named Abbas Hayder Al-Khafaji, who entered the fast food establishment and caused chaos and terror among the patrons and staff.

According to eyewitness accounts and police reports, Al-Khafaji entered the McDonald's around 8:30 pm, brandishing a large kitchen knife. He reportedly approached a group of people who were sitting in the dining area, making threatening gestures and shouting incoherently. The patrons quickly got up and fled in fear, leaving behind their belongings.

One woman, who has not been identified in media reports due to privacy concerns, was unable to escape the scene as quickly as the others. She found herself cornered in a back area of the restaurant near the kitchen. Al-Khafaji pursued her, threatening to kill her with the knife.

The woman, in a desperate attempt to protect herself, grabbed a broom that was nearby and used it as a makeshift weapon. She managed to fend off Al-Khafaji's advances and called for help. Other employees and customers who had hidden during the incident came out of their hiding places and confronted Al-Khafaji, allowing the woman to escape.

The police were called to the scene and arrived within minutes. They apprehended Al-Khafaji and took him into custody. He was later charged with multiple offenses including armed robbery, assault, and making threats to kill. The woman was physically unharmed but understandably shaken by the ordeal.

The incident caused significant disruption to the restaurant and nearby businesses, with police cordoning off the area for several hours while they conducted their investigation. The McDonald's franchisee issued a statement expressing their concern for their employees and customers and thanking the emergency services for their quick response.

The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of staying calm and alert in dangerous situations and the role that bystanders can play in protecting themselves and others. It also highlights the need for effective emergency response procedures and the importance of mental health support for those affected by such incidents.