The family of the knifeman behind a mass stabbing at Westfield Bondi Junction has shared a statement, saying it is “absolutely devastated”.
Joel Cauchi, 40, was on Sunday identified by police as the man responsible for fatally stabbing six people at the shopping centre on Saturday afternoon.
WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE: Bondi mass stabber Joel Cauchi had ‘significant mental health issues’.
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A dozen other people were injured.
In a statement shared via Queensland Police on Sunday afternoon, his family expressed its condolences for the victims.
“We are absolutely devastated by the traumatic events that occurred in Sydney yesterday,” the family said.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the families and friends of the victims and those still undergoing treatment at this time.
“Joel’s actions were truly horrific, and we are still trying to comprehend what has happened. He has battled with mental health issues since he was a teenager.
“We are in contact with both the New South Wales Police Force and Queensland Police Service and have no issues with the Police Officer who shot our son as she was only doing her job to protect others and we hope she is coping alright.”
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Earlier on Sunday, police identified Cauchi as the killer.
He had only recently moved to Sydney from Queensland. He is understood to have been diagnosed with mental health issues as a teenager and had undergone treatment over the years.
He was in contact with police over the past five years in relation to mental health but had never been arrested in Queensland for any criminal offence.
His last interaction with police was in December on the Gold Coast, where he was spoken to by officers on the street.
NSW Police Assistant Commissioner Anthony Cooke told reporters on Saturday night that Cauchi was seen entering the shopping centre, before leaving and then returning about 3.20pm.
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He drew a knife from his backpack and began stabbing shoppers and families.
A single officer, Inspector Amy Scott, happened to be nearby and responded, fatally shooting the offender after being directed to level five by members of the public.
She is being praised for her “enormous courage and bravery”.
NSW Police Commissioner Karen Webb said Scott was doing well under difficult circumstances.
“She showed enormous courage and bravery,” Webb said.
“It was an awful situation … but it could have been much worse.”
The Westfield will be closed on Sunday and remain a crime scene for several days.
It’s unclear when the shopping centre will re-open.
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