The police officer who stopped a man’s killing spree at a Sydney shopping centre has been praised for her “enormous courage and bravery”.
The Royal family has been among those to pay tribute to Inspector Amy Scott after she shot dead 40-year-old knife-wielding man Joel Cauchi in the Westfield shopping centre at Bondi Junction on Saturday afternoon.
WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE: Premier praises first responders of Bondi massacre.
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Cauchi killed six people — five women and a man — and injured several others, including the baby girl of one of the victims.
NSW Police Commissioner Karen Webb said Scott was doing well under difficult circumstances.
“She showed enormous courage and bravery,” Webb said. “It was an awful situation … but it could have been much worse.”
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese praised the “wonderful inspector who ran into danger by herself and removed the threat that was there to others, without thinking about the risks to herself”.
He also acknowledged bystanders had also taken steps to stop the man’s rampage.
“We also see the footage of ordinary Australians putting themselves in harm’s way in order to help their fellow citizens,” he said on Sunday morning.
“That bravery was quite extraordinary that we saw yesterday.”
World leaders have reacted with shock at the tragic incident, with King Charles giving “thanks” to first responders.
“My wife and I were utterly shocked and horrified to hear of the tragic stabbing incident in Bondi,” he said in a statement.
“Our hearts go out to the families and loved ones of those who have been so brutally killed during such a senseless attack.
“While details of these shocking circumstances are still emerging, our thoughts are also with those who were involved in the response, and we give thanks for the bravery of the first responders and emergency services.”
Prince William and Princess Kate issued a joint statement to say they were “shocked and saddened by the terrible events”.
“Our thoughts are with all those affected, including the loved ones of those lost and the heroic emergency responders who risked their own lives to save others,” they added.
New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon said: “Australia is family. So, all New Zealanders are thinking of those affected by the tragic events in Bondi, especially the family and friends of those killed today. Exceptional courage from NSW Police, first responders and members of the public.”
United Kingdom Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said: “The horrific attacks at Bondi Junction are truly devastating. My heart goes out to those affected by this abhorrent act of violence, and I pray for the recovery of those left injured and traumatised today. You are in the thoughts and prayers of the British people.”
The Vatican wrote in a statement: “His Holiness Pope Francis was deeply saddened to learn of the violent attack in Sydney, and he sends the assurance of his spiritual closeness to all affected by this senseless tragedy, especially those who are now mourning the loss of a loved one. He likewise offers his prayers for the dead, the injured, as well as the first responders, and invokes upon the nation the divine blessings of consolation and strength.”
– With AAP
