Australian police are currently investigating the motive behind a tragic incident that occurred at a busy Sydney shopping mall over the weekend. The lone assailant, identified as Joel Cauchi, stabbed six people to death and injured more than a dozen others at the Westfield Bondi Junction mall near Bondi Beach. The assailant, who was shot and killed by police during the attack, targeted women while avoiding men.
Authorities have ruled out terrorism as a motive and have stated that the 40-year-old assailant had a history of mental illness. Police Commissioner Karen Webb mentioned that detectives are looking into Cauchi's background and will question his family to determine his motive. CCTV footage from the mall clearly shows that Cauchi specifically targeted women during the attack.
While most of the victims were women, the only male killed was Faraz Tahir, a security guard at the mall who was unarmed. The survivors, including Tahir and others, are currently receiving medical treatment in hospitals, with some in critical condition.
The incident has prompted discussions about mall security, with questions arising about whether security guards should be armed. The evidence gathered will be presented to a coroner to investigate the circumstances of the deaths and provide further insights into the tragic event.
In response to the tragedy, a day of national mourning has been declared in Australia to honor the victims. Flags on government buildings are flying at half-staff, and tributes are being paid to those who lost their lives in the senseless attack.
The police officer who bravely intervened and shot the assailant, Insp. Amy Scott, will be interviewed by detectives to provide more details about the incident. The mall remains closed as authorities continue their investigation into the tragic events that unfolded over the weekend.
