Westfield Bondi Junction massacre: Disturbing theory emerges about killer Joel Cauchi: ‘May you rot in hell’

A disturbing theory has emerged that the killer who carried out a stabbing spree in Sydney yesterday may have targeted women.

The mass stabbing at the Westfield center near Bondi Junction on Saturday afternoon has shocked the nation as a major police investigation unfolds.

Six people, five women and one man, were killed in the attack and several others were injured.

A nine-month-old baby was among the victims stabbed and undergoing surgery on Saturday evening, NSW Police Commissioner Karen Webb told reporters on Saturday.

The child’s mother was among those who died. She passed her baby to strangers and begged them for help before losing consciousness.

The knifeman was shot dead on the spot by a lone female police officer, Amy Scott.

He has been identified as Joel Cauchi, 40, who is from the Brisbane area and had mental health issues, moved to Sydney from Queensland a month ago.

There is no indication that Cauchi was part of any particular ideology, with police treating the horrific attack as a mental health-related incident.

Today presenter Karl Stefanovic said he had ‘no words’ for his thoughts on the incident, but expressed his horror at the number of female victims.

“I don’t care what the excuses are, and I hope there’s a special place in hell reserved for him, considering he walked past men, did nothing about it and attacked women,” he said.

‘This perpetrator, may you rot in hell. Forgive me for saying it, but I don’t care what he did

‘A woman with a baby.’

Many others shared similar words online.

‘Could it be true that the Bondi attack targeted women? Five women, dead?’ she wrote.

“I mourn male violence today. I can’t say, oh my God, because I have gods who refuse. But the anger is rising.’

Another said: ‘This Bondi Junction stabbing appears to have targeted WOMEN.’

On Nine’s Today Show on Sunday, terror expert Greg Barton said extremist groups would typically have posted about the incident online in advance to signal an impending attack.

Mr Barton also said the deaths of several women were “one of the ugliest aspects” of the “incredible tragedy”.

“I think it’s important for police to say they’re taking their time, doing the investigative work and letting us know what they understand about motivation,” he said.

“Of course, domestic violence is the biggest threat we face every day in Australia. Whether that plays a role here or not is a question.

“But yes, the heartless attack of a mother and a child and other women is terrible.”

Lifeguard Andrew Reid from Bondi Rescue was present at the shopping center and assisted in providing first aid to several victims.

“She just wanted to be a mother, you know? She just wanted to be. And she was a beautiful person. And she would have been a great mother,” he said.

“I don’t know how that father will deal with what he has on his plate this morning, the loss of his wife and the fact that a nine-month-old child is fighting for life.”

Mr Reid also recalled the devastating scene he encountered.

“So the first victim was a young woman, about 30 to 40 years old. And the next victim I looked at was probably a little older, 40 to 50 maybe, but she was in bad shape,” he said.

“She and the police tried to work on her, but oh my God, I’ve never…I’ve never seen so much blood.”

Mr. Reid said he and the other first responders simply acted based on their training and experience

“But you know, for me, some of the real heroes are the wife of the policewoman who took him down, the guy with the bollard.

‘So, are you kidding me? Like he was keeping him at a distance. You know, that would have given time for more police to get there, for more people to get out of there.

“Like he’s an absolute legend.”

Police Commissioner Karen Webb said there is no ongoing threat to the public.

Ms Webb said last night that there is not expected to be an ongoing threat to the public.

“I can assure you that we are confident that there is no ongoing risk and that we are dealing with one person who has now passed away,” Ms Webb said.

“The investigation will be ongoing for many, many days, but there are elements that we understand at this time that do not point to (a terrorist attack), but as we continue with the investigation and the background of this individual, his home , vehicle, employees, we will only know then.’