IN line with the deadly stabbing rampage at a shopping center in Sydney, Australia this past weekend, authorities investigating the incident have uncovered more disturbing details about the attacker.
As Australians mourn for the loss of innocent lives in senseless violence at a busy shopping center in Sydney, more details of the incident have unfolded in the past few days, with the public and the people affected by the tragedy trying to make sense of what has taken place.
The police identified the attacker as 40-year-old Joel Cauchi – the man who killed six people and injured 12 others during a sickening attack at Westfield Bondi (Bon-dai) Junction this past Saturday.
Cauchi had a history of mental illness, having been diagnosed with schizophrenia at the age of 17. The attacker has no history of criminal record but periods of erratic behavior in recent years due to his condition made him a familiar name to the police and government health agencies.
One of the victims was 30-year-old Faraz Tahir, a refugee from Pakistan who was on his first day of duty as a security guard at the shopping center when he was fatally stabbed by the assailant. He was the only male victim who died from the incident.
Another victim, 38-year-old Dr. Ashlee Good, sustained severe injuries while protecting her nine-month-old baby from the merciless attack. In a last-ditch attempt to save her daughter, she threw the infant at two brothers passing by, before she died from her wounds. The baby, who also sustained critical injuries, was declared safe after hours of surgery.
Meanwhile, 25-year-old Drew Singleton, the daughter of a millionaire businessman, suffered the same fate. She was about to marry her fiance, having purchased a wedding dress and invitations sent out when a chance encounter with Cauchi led to her untimely death.
Other victims were identified as 47-year-old architect and mother of two Jade Young; 55-year-old artist Pikria Darchia from Tbilisi, Georgia; and another woman who is yet to be identified.
Female police inspector Amy Scott, who happened to be nearby during the attack, was hailed a hero after she single-handedly tackled Cauchi and shot him dead.
In a message of support, Cauchi’s parents said they have no issues with the police officer who shot their son as she was only doing her job to protect others.
The New South Wales Police have promised a lengthy investigation and offered special support for those affected by the attack.
News of the mass stabbing tragedy in Australia has reached the attention of King Charles who said the incident left him and Queen Camilla “shocked and horrified.” He sent a message of support to the families of the victims and praised the “bravery of the first responders and emergency services.”
