NSW Police Inspector Amy Scott has spoken about the moment she confronted 40-year-old knife-wielder Joel Cauchi.
Police Inspector Scott shot Cauchi, ending his rampage that killed six innocent people at the Bondi Junction Westfield shopping center on Saturday afternoon.
The senior officer, attached to the Eastern Suburbs Police Command, was near the busy shopping center when the horrific attack unfolded.
Inspector Scott entered Westfield alone and ran through the upper level of the complex before coming face to face with Cauchi, who was brandishing a 30cm knife.
Witnesses said Inspector Scott yelled at Cauchi to “leave it” before lunging at her and she fired, shooting him in the chest.
Detective Inspector Amy Scott shot dead knifeman Joel Cauchi after he killed six innocent people in a stabbing at Bondi Junction Westfield shopping center on Saturday (pictured)
Inspector Scott (pictured) said she was “happy” with her actions and did not consider herself a hero.
He then performed CPR on the killer, along with other victims who were lying on the ground in nearby stores while he waited for backup to arrive. Cauchi was pronounced dead at the scene.
NSW Police Association chief Kevin Morton said on Monday Inspector Scott was “happy” with her actions and did not consider herself a hero.
“Amy is happy with what she had to do,” Mr. Morton said.
“I talked to her last night and again this morning, and she said, ‘It was a night I didn’t get much sleep.’
“She knows she’s been labeled a hero, but to her she was doing her job.”
After the shooting, Inspector Scott underwent a weapons residue test and was separated from the other officers before being driven home by a colleague.
She will be formally interviewed as part of the investigation into Sunday’s deadly stabbings.
“I didn’t ask her about the exact incident because she hasn’t been formally interviewed yet,” Morton said.
“Everyone will be watching her, obviously, there will be a lot of support from everyone.”
Police Minister Yasmin Catley spoke to Inspector Scott on Saturday night and described the officer as “humble”.
‘I thanked him on behalf of the Government and people of New South Wales for his bravery. She was very humble,” Mrs Catley said.
Ms Catley explained that Ms Scott said: ‘It wasn’t just me; “There were a lot of spectators attending and helping people.”
NSW Police Commissioner Karen Webb said Inspector Scott was “doing well in the circumstances” and praised her for her “enormous courage and bravery” at a press conference on Saturday night.
This is not the first time Inspector Scott has been recognized for her acts of bravery.
Inspector Amy Scott (second from left) was recognized for her bravery while stationed as a sergeant in Kings Cross in 2019.
Inspector Scott’s bravery has been praised by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and the Prince and Princess of Wales.
In 2019, she was a sergeant stationed in nearby Kings Cross when she was recognized at the Rotary Club’s Police Officer of the Year awards ceremony.
He received the Demonstrated Courage and Devotion to Duty award.
Commissioner Webb, Premier Anthony Albanese, NSW Premier Chris Minns and even the Prince and Princess of Wales have led the flood of tributes praising Inspector Scott’s brave actions.
As NSW Police remained silent on the police officer’s identity on Saturday night, Inspector Scott was unmasked online, where she was hailed as a national hero.
‘She was absolutely fearless, brave and amazing. How many lives did she save today? Brave,” one person posted on X.
Another added: ‘Absolute legend. He happened to be nearby and was the first to arrive on the scene. I didn’t even doubt it.
A third wrote: ‘She did what she had to do in that situation. No fucking around or pleasing a murderer. “We need more police like this.”
A quarter touted her as a possible candidate for Australian of the Year, while others called for her to receive a bravery award.
Some noted that he had little protection.
‘No vest, no protective equipment, no backup? No problems,’ wrote one.
Australians across the country have hailed Inspector Scott as a national hero.
Others expressed concern for the officer’s well-being.
‘While you use words like ‘hero’, remember, taking her life will change hers too. Heroes can be victims too, let’s hope she gets all the support she needs,” one commented.
Commissioner Webb revealed that she spoke to Inspector Scott after the tragedy.
“He showed enormous courage and bravery, and he will obviously prosecute,” Commissioner Webb said.
“She will need to be formally interviewed and that’s why we just talked about her being fine and her family being fine.”
“She has everything she needs at the moment and will be formally interviewed tomorrow.”
Deputy Commissioner Anthony Cooke previously said the police officer was immediately confronted upon arrival at the scene.
“The agent was guided to the criminal’s location by people who were in the center, and she took the measures she took, saving the lives of several people,” he said.
The police officer was seen running through Westfield Bondi Junction to confront the killer alone.
She confronted the knife killer alone on the top level of the mall and shot him dead.
He rushed to the aid of wounded victims in nearby shops after shooting the killer dead.
Waverley Mayor Paula Masselos also praised Inspector Scott’s bravery and paid tribute to the “everyday heroes” involved, including a bystander who confronted the killer on the escalator.
“She (the police officer) was there alone and headed towards danger,” he told Sky News UK.
‘Even [after she shot the attacker]He immediately began performing CPR – it shows the person’s dedication and incredible act of heroism – even then his main concern was someone who had fallen.
“I will be contacting the various service providers and the police to see what practical support we can offer as advice.”
Albanese held a quick press conference in Canberra to address the tragedy on Saturday night, where he also praised Inspector Scott.
“She entered alone into the process that was taking place, obviously very dangerous,” he said.
‘She is without a doubt a hero. There is no doubt that she saved lives by her actions.
“Today is a reminder that the people who wear uniforms are people who ran towards danger, not away from it.”
The Law Enforcement Conduct Commission has initiated a critical incident for your brave actions.
“The NSWPF is investigating the circumstances of the incident and this investigation will be reviewed by the Professional Standards Command,” a statement read.
Westfield Bondi Junction is expected to remain closed for several days.