EXCLUSIVE
The heroic police officer who confronted and shot dead a rampaging knife-wielder has previously been recognized for her bravery.
NSW Police Inspector Amy Scott was hailed as a hero and praised for her bravery at Westfield Bondi Junction in Sydney’s east on Saturday afternoon when six people were tragically stabbed to death.
The inspector attached to the Eastern Suburbs Police Command was near the busy shopping center when the horrific commotion unfolded.
As the first police officer to arrive at the scene, Inspector Scott ran through the upper level of the shopping complex and risked his life when he confronted the knife-wielding man, 40, who also injured eight other people.
The man lunged at Inspector Scott, who shot him dead.
The senior police officer performed CPR on the killer, along with other victims who were lying on the ground in nearby tents while waiting for backup to arrive.
Inspector Scott is “doing well under the circumstances”, New South Wales Police Commissioner Karen Webb said on Saturday night.
She will be formally interviewed as part of the investigation into the deadly stabbings.
This is not the first time Inspector Scott has been recognized for her policing efforts.
The heroic police officer who confronted and shot the knife-wielding man at Bondi Junction Westfield has been appointed Inspector Amy Scott.
Inspector Amy Scott (second from left) was recognized for her bravery while stationed as a sergeant in Kings Cross in 2019.
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,” one wrote.
Detective Inspector Amy Scott (pictured) has been hailed as a national hero and legend.
Inspector Amy Scott (pictured) is ‘doing well under the circumstances’
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.
Inspector Scott raced across 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 the wounded victims after confronting and shooting the knife wielder to death.
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.