The only female police officer to end a mass knife attack by killing a deranged killer has appeared at a vigil for the victims of the massacre.
Inspector Amy Scott shot dead Joel Cauchi, 40, during her attack at Westfield Bondi Junction on Saturday, April 13, which killed six shoppers and injured a dozen more.
On Sunday, he joined tearful mourners at a somber candlelight vigil to remember those killed.
Groups of young people were seen crying and hugging knitted teddy bears at Bondi Beach’s Dolphin Court as the event began at 5pm.
The state government and Waverley Council organized a candlelight vigil to mourn the lives lost in the attack which shocked the nation.
Inspector Amy Scott (left) joined tearful mourners at a somber candlelight vigil to remember those murdered at Westfield Bondi Junction last Saturday.
Hundreds of people gathered at Dolphin Court in Bondi Beach for a sunset vigil on Sunday to honor those killed in the Westfield massacre.
Hundreds of people gathered at the evening vigil and observed a minute of silence in honor of the dead.
Heroic police officer Inspector Amy Scott was greeted with hugs from her colleagues as she arrived at the vigil for the victims of the attack.
She chased down the lone attacker and shot him before he could hit anyone else.
A crowd of young people were seen hugging and wiping away tears as the vigil began.
The prime minister is expected to address the crowd gathered at the beachside vigil.
“I think if we can stay together through the difficult periods, we can send the message that there are many more good people in this city than there are bad actors and that there is evil,” New South Wales Premier Chris Minns said Saturday.
“Those who have lost loved ones have unanimously said that they can feel the support of the community behind them and that they know they are not alone.”
Minns said the vigil would be an opportunity to “support those who have lost loved ones and remember those who have been murdered.”
Among those killed in the attack was security guard Faraz Tahir.
Tahir, who had arrived in Australia after fleeing persecution in Pakistan, was killed trying to protect Cauchi buyers.
“He is not only a hero for us but for the entire nation,” said Ahmadiyya Muslim Youth Association national president Adnan Qadir.
Inspector Scott (pictured hugging a vigil attendee) shot knifeman Joel Cauchi during his attack last Saturday.
Heroic police officer Inspector Amy Scott (pictured centre) was greeted with hugs from her colleagues as she arrived at the vigil for the victims of the attack.
Sunday’s vigil, organized by the state government and Waverley Council, was attended by hundreds of mourners.
“We are here in large numbers to continue Faraz’s legacy by reflecting on his bravery and courage and giving strength to our youth that they too must always be ready to serve others and most importantly, this beautiful country.”
Five of the six people killed were women: Ashlee Good, 38, Dawn Singleton, 25, Jade Young, 47, Pikria Darchia, 55, and Yixuan Cheng, 27.
Counselors and support services have been made available to emergency services who were at the scene of multiple violent attacks in Sydney this week.