The knife-wielding man who carried out a deadly stabbing rampage at a major shopping centre in Sydney has been identified as a 40-year-old man from Queensland.
Police have confirmed Joel Cauchi was the man who stormed the Westfield in Bondi around 3.30pm on Saturday while armed with a large knife.
He’s accused of fatally stabbing five women and one man during the terrifying attack, which police believe was related to mental health and not terrorism.
At least a dozen others, including a 9-month-old baby girl, were also wounded during the ordeal and are continuing to undergo treatment in various Sydney hospitals.
It’s since been revealed the infant’s mother, 38-year-old Ash Good, was one of the victim’s killed in the attack.
Police believe the knife-wielding man, who was shot dead at the scene by lone police officer, Inspector Amy Scott, moved from Brisbane to Sydney last month.
“We know that shortly after coming to Sydney, he took possession of a storage facility that has been identified and we have worked through that very small storage facility,” Assistant Commissioner Anthony Cooke told reporters on Sunday.
Assistant Commissioner Cooke confirmed the man was known to authorities in Queensland, but for “nothing significant”.
He also said police had spoken to the man’s family and that they were cooperating with investigators as they continue to piece together how and why the senseless attack unfolded.
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BREAKING – LIVE – NSW Police name 40-year-old Joel Cauchi as Bondi shopping center attacker
NSW Police Assistant Commissioner Anthony Cooke says the attacker has been identified as a 40-year-old man from Queensland.
Assistant Commissioner Cooke says the attacker,… pic.twitter.com/5zMF8kiLX9
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Assistant Commissioner Cooke said he had been in touch with the “hero” NSW policewoman who halted the situation and confirmed she was “doing well”.
“Can I just say how proud we are of the actions of the officer involved,” he said.
“She is receiving all of the support that she requires.”
The shopping centre and surrounding streets remain closed, while the crime scene continues to be forensically examined.
A critical incident team comprised of detectives attached to the State Crime Command’s Homicide Squad and the Central Metropolitan Region have established Strike Force Mcauley to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident.
As investigations continue, police are appealing for any witnesses, or anyone with information or mobile phone vision, to call police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
