Crowds Gather as Melbourne Cafe Reopens After Owner Killed in Knife Attack

Mountains of flowers and crowds of people filled Pellegrino’s Espresso Bar in Melbourne when the cafe reopened on Tuesday, November 13, after owner Sisto Malaspina was killed in a knife attack last Friday.

Malaspina died during an alleged terrorist incident on Bourke Street on Friday evening, when two other people were also stabbed by attacker Hassan Khalif Shire Ali. Shire Ali was shot by police and later died in hospital.

The 74-year-old cafe co-owner was much loved in the Melbourne community and an outpouring of support ensued after his death. The popular cafe was closed for three days after the attack.

On Tuesday, crowds gathered as the doors reopened and served long black coffees for free throughout the day in honour of Malaspina’s drink of choice. Prime Minister Scott Morrison also visited to pay his respects. Credit: c_shell_y via Storyful