The man confronted the group – who were scuffling with another shop owner over the stolen goods – and was struck over the head several times. The shop owner was a beloved figure in the community. Brimbank Mayor Virginia Tachos said his passing as "devastated the entire Brimbank community". "We recognise the immense grief experienced by Viet's family, friends, fellow traders and the broader Brimbank community and send our deepest sympathies to them all." Those who knew the businessman described him as a "a very friendly and lovely man", with a nearby shop owner saying "he loved his wife, had two children, and was always working hard".