A shocking random homicide has occurred in a shopping mall in Sydney, Australia. Police have identified the attacker, a 40-year-old man named Joel Cauchi.
However, regarding his psychological state before his death, the police are still conducting an in-depth investigation. According to Coch's family, he has suffered from mental health issues since he was a teenager.
The Associated Press reported that the tragedy occurred at Westfield Shopping Centre near Bondi Beach in Sydney's seaside suburb on Saturday afternoon. At that time, Cauch carried out random slashing of innocent people with knives, resulting in the deaths of six people, including five women and one man, who ranged in age from 20 to 55. In addition, 12 people were injured and are still being treated in hospital.
SWAT at the scene of the crime
Sadly, one of the injured was a 9-month-old baby whose mother had tragically lost her life while protecting him. The male victim, a 30-year-old security guard at a shopping mall, was unsuspectingly assassinated by.
Assistant NSW Police Commissioner Anthony Cooke said at a press conference on Sunday that police and investigators did not believe the attack was linked to terrorism, preferring instead to believe that Cauchi's mental health issues may have contributed to the tragedy. However, they still need more evidence to support this judgment.
"We are continuing to analyze the offender, but at this stage we are very aware that it appears to be related to the mental health of the person involved," Cook said. "So far, we have not received statements from any organization, nor have we found any evidence or intelligence that this incident was driven by specific motives, such as ideology or other factors," he further stressed. ”
Amy Scott, the first police officer to arrive at the scene, decisively shot and killed Cauch. Anthony Albanese, the mall's manager, praised Officer Scot, saying she was "undoubtedly a hero whose actions saved more lives." ”
In addition to the heroic performance of the police, the bravery of ordinary Australians is also admirable. As Cauch chases and slashes along the escalator with knives in hand, a man bravely confronts him with a red dragon pillar, buying precious time for the police to arrive at the scene.
In a written statement late Sunday, Cauchi's family said they were shocked and saddened by Saturday's events. They expressed understanding for the police officer who shot and killed their son, stressing that "she was just doing her duty to protect others". The statement also read: "Joel's behavior is truly terrifying, and we are trying to understand what really happened to him. He has been suffering from mental health issues since he was a teenager. ”
This incident once again reminds us that mental health problems cannot be ignored, because I don't know when we will meet such a person, and the luck will be almost lost directly, and it is inexplicable.
At the same time, those who stand up to protect the safety of others in times of such sudden crises are truly admirable.
Article Source: