Joel Cauchi, a 40-year-old man from Queensland, has been identified by Sydney police as the attacker who fatally stabbed six people at the Westfield shopping centre in Bondi Junction. The attack, which occurred during a busy afternoon, also left eight others injured, including a nine-month-old infant. Authorities noted that Cauchi was suffering from mental health issues and confirmed that the incident was not motivated by terrorism.

Assistant Commissioner Anthony Cooke of the NSW Police stressed that there was no indication of an ideological motive behind the attack. The police investigations include examination of a storage container that Cauchi had rented upon his arrival in Sydney.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, along with other global leaders including US President Joe Biden and UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, expressed their condolences. The bravery of a female police inspector, who confronted and shot the attacker, was specifically praised by Albanese and NSW Police Commissioner Karen Webb.

The shopping centre has been closed and is currently maintained as an active crime scene as the police continue their investigations into the incident.