A French national who confronted the knife-wielding attacker during his deadly rampage in a Sydney shopping centre will be granted permanent residency in Australia due to his heroics.
Six people were killed and 12 injured in Saturday's attack at the stabbing in Bondi Junction, with most of the victims being women.
The killer, 40-year-old Joel Cauchi, was shot down by Inspector Amy Scott, who confronted him solo during his rampage.
But Frenchman Damien Guerot was seen on video images circulated online holding up a shopping centre bollard to try and stop Cauchi from injuring more people.
He later told local news networks he was living in Australia on a work visa set to expire in July.
However, in response to his heroic actions, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese told a press conference: “I say this to Damien Guerot, who is dealing with his visa applications, that you are welcome here.
“You’re welcome to stay for as long as you like."
He added: "This is someone who we would welcome becoming an Australian citizen, although that would of course be a loss for France. We thank him for his extraordinary bravery."
Officials later clarified that Mr Guerot would be offered permanent residency, as the Government is unable to waive residency requirements that would be required to become a citizen.
Days after that attack, a Christian bishop and priest were wounded at a church service in a second high-profile knife rampage.
A 16-year-old was overpowered by the shocked congregation at Christ the Good Shepherd Church after he allegedly stabbed Bishop Mar Mari Emmanuel and Father Isaac Royel during a service on Monday night that was being streamed online.
That incident has since been declared terror related.
Police have not commented on reports that the boy's fingers were severed by parishioners in the Orthodox Assyrian church in suburban Wakeley, but confirmed his hand injuries were “severe".
Video of the attack spread quickly on social media and an angry mob converged on the church demanding vengeance.
They hurled bricks and bottles at police, who temporarily barricaded the boy inside the church for his own safety.
Several people including police officers required hospital treatment following the hours-long riot.
Police and community leaders said that public anxiety had been heightened by Saturday’s attack that killed five women and a male security guard who attempted to intervene.
