Westfield Bondi Junction fatal stabbing: Hero cop Amy Scott breaks silence

NSW Police Inspector Amy Scott has opened up about the moment she confronted 40-year-old knifeman Joel Cauchi.

Police Inspector Scott gunned down Cauchi, ending his rampage that killed six innocent people at Bondi Junction’s Westfields shopping center on Saturday afternoon.

The senior officer attached to the Eastern Suburbs Police Command was near the busy mall when the horrific attack unfolded.

Inspector Scott entered the center alonesprinted through the upper level of the complex before coming face to face with Cauchi brandishing a 30cm knife.

Witnesses said Inspector Scott shouted at Cauchi to ‘put it down’ before lunging at her and she fired, shooting him in the chest.

She then performed CPR on the killer, along with other victims lying on the ground in nearby stores, while she waited for back-up to arrive. Cauchi was pronounced dead at the scene.

Police Association of NSW boss Kevin Morton said on Monday Inspector Scott was “satisfied” with her actions and did not consider herself a hero.

“Amy is content with what she had to do,” Mr Morton said.

‘I spoke to her last night and again this morning and she said: ‘It was a night without much sleep’.

‘She knows she’s been tagged as a hero, but to her, she did her job.’

After the shooting, Inspector Scott underwent a gunshot residue test and was separated from other officers before a colleague drove her home.

She will be formally questioned as part of the investigation into the fatal stabbings on Sunday.

“I didn’t ask her about the exact incident because she is yet to be formally interviewed,” Mr Morton said.

‘Of course everyone will keep an eye on her, there will be a lot of support from everyone.’

Police Minister Yasmin Catley spoke to Inspector Scott on Saturday night and described the officer as ‘humble’.

‘I thanked her on behalf of the Government and people of NSW for her courage. She was so humble,” Catley said.

Catley explained that Scott said “it wasn’t just me, there were a whole lot of bystanders helping and helping people”.

NSW Police Commissioner Karen Webb said Inspector Scott was ‘doing well under the circumstances’ and praised her for her ‘tremendous courage and bravery’ at a press conference on Saturday night.

This is not the first time Inspector Scott has been recognized for his brave actions.

In 2019, she was a sergeant stationed at nearby Kings Cross when she was recognized at the Rotary Club Police Officer of the Year awards ceremony.

She received the Demonstrated Courage and Devotion to Duty award.

Commissioner Webb, Premier Anthony Albanese, NSW Premier Chris Minns and even the Prince and Princess of Wales have led the outpouring of tributes praising Inspector Scott’s brave actions.

While NSW Police were tight-lipped about the policeman’s identity on Saturday night, Inspector Scott was unveiled online, where she was hailed as a national hero.

‘She was completely fearless, brave and amazing. How many lives did she save today? Brave,’ one person wrote on X.

Another added: ‘Absolutely hilarious. Just happened to be nearby and the first on the scene. Didn’t even hesitate.’

A third wrote: ‘She did what she had to in that situation. No f******-g around or approaching a murderer. That’s the kind of police we need.’

A fourth touted her as a possible candidate for Australian of the Year, while others called for her to receive a bravery award.

Some pointed out that she was wearing little protection.

‘No vest, no protective gear, no backup? No problem,’ wrote one.

Others showed concern for the officer’s well-being.

While you’re throwing around words like ‘hero’, remember that taking a life will also change hers. Heroes can be victims too, let’s hope she gets all the support needed,’ one commented.

Commissioner Webb revealed that she has spoken to Inspector Scott following the tragedy.

“She showed tremendous courage and bravery and she will obviously deal with that,” Commissioner Webb said.

‘She has to be interviewed formally and so we just talked about her being okay and her family being okay.

‘She has everything she needs at the moment and she will be formally interviewed tomorrow.’

Assistant Commissioner Anthony Cooke said earlier that the police officer engaged immediately upon her arrival at the scene.

“The officer was guided to the scene of the perpetrator by people who are in the center and she took the actions she did and saved a number of people’s lives,” he said.

Waverley Mayor Paula Masselos also praised Inspector Scott’s courage as he paid tribute to the ‘everyday heroes’ involved, including a bystander who confronted the knifeman on the escalators.

“She (the police officer) was there on her own and she went towards the father,” she told Sky News UK.

“Even (after she shot the attacker), she immediately started CPR — it just shows you the person’s dedication and her incredible heroism — even then her biggest concern was for someone who had fallen.

‘I will be contacting the various service providers and the police to see what practical support we can offer by way of advice.’

Albanese held a quick press conference in Canberra to address the tragedy on Saturday night, where he also praised Inspector Scott.

“She went into the matter that took place, obviously very dangerously, alone,” he said.

‘She is definitely a hero. There is no doubt that she saved lives through her actions.

‘Today is a reminder that the people who wear a uniform are people who rushed to danger, not away from it.’

The Law Enforcement Conduct Commission has opened a critical incident into her courageous actions.

“The NSWPF is investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident and this investigation will be reviewed by the Professional Standards Command,” a statement read.

Westfield Bondi Junction is expected to remain closed for several days.