Who is Amy Scott” Meet ‘hero’ police officer who stopped Bondi attacker Joel Cauchi as she is honoured with Valour award

The police officer who single-handedly stopped the murderous stabbing in Westfield Bondi Junction has been honored for her bravery – and it’s not the first recognition the ‘humble’ 39-year-old has received.

NSW Police Inspector Amy Scott ran to the fifth floor of the Sydney shopping center on April 15 after being alerted that a man was in the middle of a stabbing.

She confronted Joel Cauchi and fatally shot him in the chest when he refused to drop the knife.

Tragically, the attack killed six people and injured dozens more.

Insp Scott’s bravery was honored with the Commissioners Valor Award at the Goulburn Police Academy in south-east NSW on Friday, but the self-effacing 19-year veteran didn’t want to make it about her.

She told a graduating class of 169 new police officers that she was just one example of “ordinary people called to do something extraordinary.”

“It was quite a traumatic day for everyone involved,” Insp Scott said.

“I wasn’t the only person there and that’s why I’ve stayed quiet and I probably will stay quiet because there are really important people who responded that day and who were affected by this,” Inspector Scott said.

‘It is a healing process and that will apply to everyone involved. Very unique.’

Insp Scott said she was fortunate to have the love and support of a wife, family and friends, as well as the NSW Police Force community, to get her through the difficult memories of the day and get her “back to work ‘ to get.

“What really matters are the victims, their families and friends, who will forever have to deal with an unfathomable tragedy,” Inspector Scott said.

Insp Scott, 39, said she has been supported by her wife, friends and family since the traumatic incident

“So it’s very important to me to keep them at the forefront of everything and that’s where they are for me, they’re always on my mind.”

Insp Scott, who is attached to Sydney’s eastern suburbs police command, has previously been recognised.

In 2019, while stationed at Kings Cross in Sydney’s east, she was recognized at the Rotary Club Police Officer of the Year awards ceremony when she received an award for Demonstrated Courage and Devotion to Duty.

Speaking at Friday’s graduation ceremony in Goulburn NSW, Police Commissioner Karen Webb said Insp Scott was an example of ‘going above and beyond’.

Isnp Scott with Joel Cauchi after she shot him and ended his stabbing spree at Bondi Junction on April 19

“There will be days that challenge you, but also many rewarding days,” she said.

“While we do not become police officers for recognition, it is important to recognize those who go above and beyond to protect the New South Wales community.

‘Detective Inspector Amy Scott is an example of this.’

Commissioner Webb, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, NSW Premier Chris Minns and even the Prince and Princess of Wales all praised Insp Scott’s courageous actions in stopping Cauchi.

Insp Scott (second from left) was also recognized for her bravery while stationed as a sergeant in 2019

On the day of the stabbing, Insp Scott was carrying out routine checks near the shopping centre.

After bystanders directed her to the scene, the officer approached the 40-year-old Queensland man on level five of the complex as shoppers fled and others were injured.

When Cauchi refused to put down his knife, Insp Scott fired a single shot into his chest, causing him to fall to the ground.

She then walked over and gave him CPR until paramedics arrived, but Cauchi could not be revived.

The dead included five women: Ashlee Good, 38, Dawn Singleton, 25, Pikria Darchia, 55, Jade Young, 47, and Yixuan Cheng, 27, along with security guard Faraz Tahir, 30.

The nine-month-old daughter Ms Good died protecting was also injured in the attack.

After suffering chest and arm injuries, the baby underwent surgery at Sydney Children’s Hospital but was later discharged.