Authorities in Sydney revealed on Sunday that the man responsible for the deadly stabbing spree at a busy shopping center had a history of mental health issues. Police emphasized that there’s no indication ideology played a role in the attack.
The attacker, identified as 40-year-old Joel Cauchi, was known to police in neighboring Queensland. Both New South Wales and Queensland authorities confirmed they contacted Cauchi’s family after the Saturday incident.
News reports triggered recognition from Cauchi’s family, who subsequently contacted the police.
“Upon seeing footage of the event on TV, the family suspected it might be their son and reached out to authorities,” stated Queensland Police Assistant Commissioner Roger Lowe.
The family expressed devastation over the incident, offering condolences to the victims and the officer forced to shoot Cauchi.
“Joel’s actions were horrific,” their statement read. “We are still trying to grasp what happened. He has battled mental health issues since his teenage years.”
Witness Accounts Paint a Grim Picture of Sydney Stabbing
Witnesses described a chaotic scene at Westfield Bondi Junction mall. Cauchi, clad in shorts and an Australian national rugby league jersey, terrorized shoppers with a knife.
He fatally stabbed six people and injured at least twelve before being stopped by Inspector Amy Scott, who confronted him single-handedly during the rampage.
Some shoppers and mall employees attempted to intervene, while others sought refuge in shuttered shops.
“Sydney stabbing was a horrific scene,” recounted New South Wales Police Assistant Commissioner Anthony Cooke.
“We haven’t found any information, evidence, or intelligence suggesting a specific motive, ideology, or anything similar driving this attack.”
Investigation Continues
Police revealed Cauchi had recently relocated to Sydney from Queensland and had rented a small storage unit. However, the search yielded no substantial evidence suggesting a planned attack.
Authorities in Queensland confirmed Cauchi was diagnosed with mental health issues at 17 and had frequent contact with police over the past four to five years. However, he faced no arrests or charges in Queensland.
Lowe described Cauchi’s lifestyle as itinerant, often sleeping in his car and maintaining infrequent text message contact with his mother.
Similar stabbing attacks are uncommon in Australia, a nation of roughly 26 million people with some of the world’s strictest gun and knife control laws.
Sydney Stabbing Tributes and Tributes
On Sunday, Sydney police reported that five of the six victims of the stabbing spree were women. Those hospitalized with stab wounds included a nine-month-old baby in serious but stable condition.
The baby’s mother, Ashlee Good, succumbed to her injuries in the hospital, according to a statement from her family.
Faraz Tahir, a 30-year-old security guard at the mall and the sole male victim, was a refugee from Pakistan who arrived in Australia last year, as per a statement from the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community of Australia.
The mall remained closed to the public on Sunday, with a heavy police presence securing the area. Streets nearby were cordoned off, and a growing mound of floral tributes marked the tragedy.
“The individual stories of the victims, the acts of courage displayed by complete strangers who rushed to help, highlight the tragedy,” stated New South Wales Premier Chris Minns. “The entire state will stand by these families as they grapple with the inevitable grief of such a horrifying event.”
Global Outpouring of Support
King Charles of Britain, Australia’s head of state, expressed condolences on the royal family’s X account. “Our hearts go out to the families and loved ones of those who lost their lives in this senseless attack.”
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese revealed receiving messages of condolence from around the world. He further emphasized the bravery of ordinary citizens during the incident.
“We’ve seen footage of ordinary Australians risking their safety to help others,” he said on Sunday. “That bravery was truly extraordinary. It’s a testament to the best of Australia amidst this tragedy.”
