Inspector Amy Scott’s Brave Actions During the Westfield Bondi Junction Stabbing Attack
New South Wales Police Inspector Amy Scott stands out for her bravery and quick action during a terrifying incident in Sydney.
On April 13, 2024, Inspector Scott was doing her regular duties when she had to confront and stop Joel Cauchi, a 40-year-old man from Queensland, who was on a deadly stabbing spree at Bondi Junction Westfield.
Her brave actions saved many lives and earned her the NSW Police Commissioner’s Valour Award.
Inspector Scott was conducting routine checks near the bustling shopping center when chaos erupted. Shoppers fled in panic as Cauchi, armed with a knife, attacked unsuspecting victims.
Directed by bystanders to the scene on level five, she found herself facing a life-and-death situation. Amidst the injured and the terrified, she confronted Cauchi, who refused to drop his weapon.
“Drop the knife!” Scott shouted, her voice steady despite the chaos around her. Cauchi advanced, and without hesitation, Scott fired a single, decisive shot to his chest, bringing the rampage to an end. Despite her immediate attempts to revive him with CPR, Cauchi could not be saved.
The gravity of Scott’s actions was acknowledged at a ceremony at the Goulburn Police Academy, where she accepted the NSW Police Commissioner’s Valour Award.
“It was my training that made the difference,” Scott said modestly, highlighting how being prepared and acting quickly to “stop the killing, stop the dying” was crucial.
She said she couldn’t have done it without the support of her family, other first responders, and the brave actions of everyday people that day.
In her acceptance speech, Scott reflected on the team effort involved: “You are only as strong as the people around you, and that goes to my incredible family, the other first responders both at the scene and at the hospital, and the extraordinary acts of bravery that we saw from everyday civilians.”
Leaders at all levels praised Inspector Scott’s heroism. NSW Premier Chris Minns described her actions as “a fine example of professionalism and instinctive courage,” highlighting her calm and decisive response amidst chaos.
“She was calm, decisive, and as a result, she saved many lives,” Minns said.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese echoed these sentiments, acknowledging that her bravery undoubtedly saved lives. NSW Police Commissioner Karen Webb, addressing 169 new police graduates, pointed to Scott as an exemplar of going “above and beyond” in service to the community.
“There will be days that challenge you, but also many rewarding days,” Commissioner Webb told the new graduates. “Detective Inspector Amy Scott is an example of this.”
The incident deeply affected the community and those involved. Six people died, including Ashlee Good, whose nine-month-old baby was also hurt, and security guard Faraz Tahir.
The victims’ families and friends are still struggling with the loss. Cauchi’s family, understanding his mental illness, hold no grudge against Scott and acknowledge she acted to protect others.
“We’re all just ordinary people that are sometimes called upon to do the extraordinary,” she said.