Tributes are mounting for the victims of a deadly stabbing spree in Bondi’s Westfield shopping centre yesterday afternoon.
Five women and one man were killed in the attack, which also left a dozen injured.
The attacker, who was shot dead by NSW Police Inspector Amy Scott, has been identified as 40-year-old Joel Cauchi.
Flowers have already been laid outside the shopping centre, which remains closed while police work through the crime scene.
The identities of the victims are also gradually being revealed, though it may take some time as Assistant Commissioner Anthony Cooke said this morning two of those killed had no family in Australia.
Yixuan Cheng
Yixuan Cheng was named on Monday as the sixth victim of the stabbing spree.
It’s understood she was a Chinese national who was studying in Australia.
Police were yesterday trying to contact her family overseas.
Pikria Darchia
Pikria Darchia, 55, has been named as the fifth victim of the attack.
No further details about her have been released and her family has requested privacy.
Faraz Tahir
Security guard Faraz Tahir was fatally stabbed while he was working at the centre. It was Tahir’s first day of working at the centre.
Tahir, 30, sought refuge in Australia a year ago, after fleeing persecution in his home country of Pakistan.
He was a known and loved member of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community of Australia and also actively contributed to the charitable endeavours of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Youth organisation.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with Faraz’s family and loved ones during this difficult time, as well as with all the other victims and their families affected by this senseless act of violence,” the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community Australia said in a statement.
“We extend our deepest condolences and stand in solidarity with the broader community as we come together to support one another in the face of tragedy.”
Ashlee Good
Ashlee Good, 38, was fatally wounded as she tried to save her baby from the attacker.
She was taken to hospital but later died.
Her nine-month-old daughter was also injured and remains in hospital after surgery.
Good’s family released a statement this morning.
“Today we are reeling from the terrible loss of Ashlee, a beautiful mother, daughter, sister, partner, friend, all round outstanding human and so much more,” they said.
“We appreciate the well-wishes and thoughts of members of the Australian public who have expressed an outpouring of love for Ashlee and our baby girl.”
“To the two men who held and cared for our baby when Ashlee could not – words cannot express our gratitude,” the statement read.
Dawn Singleton
Dawn Singleton, the daughter of millionaire Australian businessman John Singleton, was also killed in the attack.
The 25-year-old, named for Olympic swimming great Dawn Fraser, was the second victim identified.
A University of Technology Sydney graduate, Singleton worked as an e-commerce assistant at White Fox Boutique.
Jade Young
Jade Young, an architect and mother-of-two, was the third victim identified in yesterday’s stabbing attack.
The Bellevue Hill woman has worked as an architect for more than two decades and is a member of the Bronte Surf Life Saving Club.
“I sadly have to report that a Bronte SLSC member, Jade Young, lost her life during the tragic events in Bondi Junction yesterday,” the club said in a statement.
“Some of you might have known Jade as she and her family have been active in youth education.
“We encourage you to reach out to your friends and family and available support services as this tragedy will no doubt touch many in our community.”
The club has cancelled its weekly drinks to pay respect to Young and the five other victims.
What we know so far
- Six people have been killed in a mass stabbing attack at Westfield shopping centre at Bondi Junction in Sydney’s eastern suburbs.
- The man, identified as 40-year-old Joel Cauchi, was shot dead by NSW Police Inspector Amy Scott at the scene. Police do not believe he acted “with ideation”.
- Twelve people were taken to hospital, though police said others may have presented independently with minor injuries.
- A baby and a mother were among those stabbed. The mother, 38-year-old Ash Good, has since died of her injuries. The baby continues to receive treatment.
- Mobile phone footage shows crowds within stairwells, with other shoppers saying they were evacuated to the roof.
- Shoppers helped victims as others cowered in shops for up to two hours.
- The attacker acted alone and there is no ongoing threat.
- The shopping centre will remain closed on Sunday as police work through the crime scene.
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