Revealed: The hero who shot the knifeman in Sydney has already been decorated for his exemplary service
The heroic female police officer who single-handedly confronted and shot a knifeman who killed six people at a shopping center had already been decorated for her exemplary service, MailOnline can reveal.
New South Wales (NSW) Police Inspector Amy Scott has been hailed as a hero and praised for her bravery after she stopped the terrifying rampage at Westfield Bondi Junction in Sydney’s east on Saturday afternoon.
As the first officer on the scene, Inspector Scott sprinted through the top level of the shopping complex and put her life on the line as she confronted the knifeman who also injured eight others.
She shot and killed the attacker – who was wearing a green rugby top – when he turned towards her and raised his knife.
The lead police officer then performed CPR on the killer and the other victims who were lying on the ground while she waited for back-up to arrive.
Insp Amy Scott (second from left) recognized for her bravery while deployed as a sergeant in 2019
She has been hailed as a hero and praised for her bravery after stopping the terrifying rampage at Westfield Bondi Junction in Sydney’s east on Saturday afternoon.
As the first officer on the scene, Inspector Scott sprinted through the top level of the shopping complex and put her life on the line as she confronted the knifeman who also injured eight others
NSW Police Commissioner Karen Webb has said Inspector Scott is ‘doing well under the circumstances’.
She will be formally questioned as part of the investigation into the fatal stabbings.
But this is not the first time Inspector Scott has been decorated for his police efforts.
In 2019, she was recognized at the Rotary Club Police Officer of the Year awards, receiving the award for demonstrated courage and devotion to duty.
Pictures show her smiling with other police officers as she holds up her award.
It was revealed earlier today that the 40-year-old knifeman who Inspector Scott shot and killed was ‘known to police’.
Among the victims was 38-year-old new mother Ash Good, who was attacked with her nine-month-old baby Harriet.
The infant – who was stabbed – is fighting for his life after being taken to hospital for emergency surgery.
Inspector Scott sprinted through Westfield Bondi Junction to single-handedly confront the knifeman
She confronted the knifeman alone on the top floor of the mall and shot him dead
Ash Good, 38, was among six shoppers in Sydney’s Bondi Junction Westfield who were killed today when a man in his 40s, dressed in a rugby league shirt, went on a stabbing spree about 3.20pm before a female police officer shot him and Killed him.
A first-time mother stabbed to death in a Sydney shopping center has been pictured for the first time. Hours before the horror unfolded, Mrs Good posted a picture on Instagram with her daughter Harriet in her arms
Hours before the horror unfolded, Mrs Good posted a picture on Instagram with her daughter in her arms.
“Only because I was walking by and happened to have the same 9 months out vs 9 months in etc etc,” the caption read.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and the Prince and Princess of Wales have led the outpouring of praise for Inspector Scott’s actions.
She has also been hailed as a national hero online with one person writing on X: ‘She was completely fearless, brave and amazing. How many lives did she save today? Brave’.
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 also pointed out that she was wearing little protection.
The attacker was seen running through the mall with a knife in his hand – moments before he was shot dead by a patrolling police officer
The knifeman who killed five women and a man during a rampage in Sydney today was ‘known to police’
The attacker was in the shopping center at 3pm, but left and returned at 15.20 with a knife. He attacked the mother and child at 3:30 p.m., before the police arrived at 15.45, and the shopping center was closed at
‘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.