Westfield Bondi Junction stabbing: Hero cop who took knifeman down identified as Inspector Amy Scott

The heroic senior female police officer who single-handedly confronted and shot dead a crazed knifeman has previously been recognized for her bravery.

NSW Police Inspector Amy Scott has been hailed as a hero around the world and showered with praise for her courageous actions at Westfield Bondi Junction in Sydney’s east on Saturday afternoon, where six people were tragically stabbed to death.

The eastern suburbs police inspector was near the busy shopping center when the terrifying disaster unfolded.

The first police officer on the scene, Inspector Scott sprinted through the top floor of the shopping complex and risked her life as she single-handedly confronted the 40-year-old knifeman, who also injured eight others.

The man lunged at Inspector Scott, who shot him dead.

The senior police officer performed CPR on the killer, along with other victims lying on the ground in nearby shops, as she waited for help to arrive.

Inspector Scott is “in good condition”, NSW Police Commissioner Karen Webb said on Saturday evening.

She will be formally interviewed as part of the investigation into the violent attack.

This is not the first time Inspector Scott has been recognized for her police efforts.

In 2019, she was a sergeant based in nearby Kings Cross when she was recognized at the Rotary Club Police Officer of the Year awards ceremony.

She received the Demonstrated Courage and Devotion to Duty award.

Commissioner Webb, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, NSW Premier Chris Minns and even the Prince and Princess of Wales have led the outpouring of tributes praising the officer’s courageous actions.

While NSW Police remained tight-lipped about the identity of the hero officer on Saturday evening, Inspector Scott was exposed online, where she was hailed as a national hero.

“She was completely fearless, courageous and amazing. How many lives has she saved today? Brave,” someone posted on X.

Another said: ‘Absolute legend. Coincidentally, I was in the area and was the first on the scene. I didn’t even hesitate.’

A third wrote: ‘She did what she had to do in that situation. No fussing or giving in to a murderer. We need more police like that.”

A fourth praised her as a possible contender for Australian of the Year, while others called for her to receive a bravery award.

Some pointed out that she was wearing little protection.

“No vest, no protective gear, no backup? No problems,” one person wrote.

Others expressed concern for the officer’s well-being.

“While you’re throwing around words like ‘hero,’ remember that taking a life will change hers too. Heroes can also be victims, let’s hope she gets all the support she needs,” said one person.

Commissioner Webb revealed that she spoke to Inspector Scott after the tragedy.

“She has shown tremendous courage and courage, and she will obviously deal with that,” Commissioner Webb said.

“She’s going to have to be formally interviewed and that’s why we just talked about how she’s doing well and her family is doing well.

“She has everything she needs for now and will no doubt be formally interviewed tomorrow.”

She added that the officer was an experienced officer.

‘SHe is a very senior officer and it is not unusual for a senior officer to lead troops and that is why she was on her own,” Commissioner Webb said.

Assistant Commissioner Anthony Cooke previously said the officer acted immediately upon her arrival on the scene.

“The officer was led to the perpetrator’s location by people who were downtown, and she took the actions she did, which saved the lives of a whole bunch of people,” he said.

Waverley Mayor Paula Masselos also praised the officer’s bravery and paid tribute to the “everyday heroes” involved, including a bystander who confronted the knifeman on the escalators.

“She (the police officer) was there alone and went towards the danger,” she told Sky News UK.

‘Even [after she shot the attacker]she immediately began performing CPR – that just shows the dedication of the person and her incredible act of heroism – even then her main concern was for someone who had fallen.

‘I will contact the various service providers and the police to see what practical support we as a municipality can offer.’

Mr Albanese held a brief press conference in Canberra on Saturday evening to address the tragedy, where he also praised the officer.

“She took part in the procedure that took place there, which was clearly very dangerous, on her own,” he said.

‘She’s definitely a hero. There is no doubt that she saved lives through her actions.

“Today we remember that the people who wear uniforms are people who rushed towards danger, not away from it.”

The Law Enforcement Conduct Commission has launched a critical incident response following the police officer’s courageous actions.

“The NSWPF is investigating the circumstances of the incident and this investigation will be reviewed by the Professional Standards Command,” a statement said.

Westfield Bondi Junction is expected to remain closed for several days.