Westfield Bondi Junction stabbing: Hero cop who took down knifeman identified as Inspector Amy Scott

EXCLUSIVE

The heroic senior female police officer who single-handedly confronted and shot dead a crazed knifeman has previously been recognized for her courage.

NSW Police Inspector Amy Scott has been hailed as a hero and praised for her bravery at Westfield Bondi Junction in Sydney’s east on Saturday afternoon when six people were tragically stabbed to death.

The inspector attached to the Eastern Suburbs Police Command was near the busy mall when the terrifying rampage unfolded.

As the first police 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, 40, who also injured eight others.

The man lunged at Inspector Scott, who shot and killed him.

The senior police officer performed CPR on the killer, along with other victims lying on the ground in nearby shops, while she waited for backup to arrive.

Inspector Scott is ‘doing well under the circumstances’, NSW Police Commissioner Karen Webb said on Saturday night.

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

This is not the first time Inspector Scott has been recognized for his police efforts.

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 location of the perpetrator by people who are in the center and she took the actions that 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 launched 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.