The Sydney knife attacker who killed six folks at a purchasing centre had suffered psychological well being points since he was a teen, his household stated.
Joel Cauchi, 40, from Queensland, had been identified to police, significantly during the last 5 years, however had not been arrested or charged earlier than he dedicated the assault on Saturday.
4 ladies, and a person in his 30s who was a safety guard on the purchasing centre, died on the scene.
In a press release launched via Queensland Police, the Cauchi household stated: “We’re completely devastated by the traumatic occasions that occurred in Sydney yesterday.
“Our ideas and prayers are with the households and mates of the victims and people nonetheless present process therapy presently.
“Joel’s actions have been actually horrific, and we’re nonetheless attempting to understand what has occurred.
“He has battled with psychological well being points since he was a teen.”
Cauchi was recognized by New South Wales Police on Sunday after he was killed by a police officer through the assault on the Westfield purchasing centre at Bondi Junction within the east of Sydney.
The lone knifeman attacked consumers on yesterday afternoon and police stated they don’t suppose the assault was motivated by terrorism.
His household added: “We’re in touch with each the New South Wales Police Drive and Queensland Police Service and don’t have any points with the police officer who shot our son as she was solely doing her job to guard others, and we hope she is coping alright.”
Queensland Police assistant commissioner Roger Lowe informed reporters in Brisbane that Cauchi, who he described “itinerant”, had not been “prosecuted or arrested or cost for any offence inside Queensland” and stated the power was aiding police in New South Wales officers with the investigations.
“He has been in touch with the police, primarily within the final 4 to 5 years could be probably the most contact now we have had with him. Throughout that contact we’re conscious that this particular person has suffered from psychological well being,” stated Mr Lowe.
Mr Lowe stated the attacker’s household has co-operated with police and had despatched a message to the New South Wales Police “with respect to assist the police officer who has killed their son and are expressing their issues for her welfare”.
Mr Lowe stated the household contacted authorities once they noticed footage of the assault on tv.
New South Wales Police are investigating the person, who moved to Sydney a month earlier than the assault, hiring a “very small” storage container in Sydney which police have “labored via”.
Tributes have been paid to Cauchi’s victims, who included a mom who handed her child over to strangers after being attacked.
Ashlee Good, 38, died in hospital after being attacked. Her nine-month-old daughter Harriet was injured within the assault and a press release from Ms Good’s household offered to Australian broadcaster ABC stated the kid is “doing properly”.
“As we speak we’re reeling from the horrible lack of Ashlee, a fantastic mom, daughter, sister, companion, buddy, all-round excellent human, and a lot extra,” the assertion stated.
The 25-year-old daughter of Australian businessman John Singleton, Daybreak, has been named as one of many victims by varied media retailers. Two of the victims are from abroad and police are trying to contact their households.
An additional 11 persons are receiving therapy in hospitals round Sydney for various accidents. A twelfth casualty was discharged from hospital at present.
— Anthony Albanese (@AlboMP) April 13, 2024
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese hailed the “extraordinary” bravery of individuals on the purchasing centre through the assault.
“We see the footage of unusual Australians placing themselves in hurt’s approach in an effort to assist their fellow residents,” he stated. “That bravery was fairly extraordinary that we noticed yesterday, one of the best of Australians amidst this extraordinary tragedy.”
New South Wales premier Chris Minns known as the assault “horrifying” and praised the efforts of the police inspector who shot Cauchi.
“Sydney has suffered a horrifying and violent assault on harmless people who find themselves doing one thing everyone does on the weekend and that’s going purchasing with their household and their mates,” he stated.
“After all, Inspector Amy Scott, who ran in direction of hazard, confirmed professionalism and bravado and with out a shadow of a doubt, saved many, many lives within the final 24 hours.”
Mr Albanese and Mr Minns have been amongst members of the general public who laid flowers in Bondi to pay tribute to victims of the assault.
Britain’s King has stated he and the Queen have been “completely shocked and horrified” by the “mindless assault” in Sydney and their “hearts exit to the households and family members of those that have been so brutally killed”.
The purchasing centre is being investigated by state and federal police and remained closed to the general public.
