Hero cop emerges for first time since Bondi Junction attack as victims are remembered at candlelight vigil

Heroic police officer Amy Scott has appeared in public for the first time since the horrific Bondi Junction massacre to farewell the six victims at a touching community vigil. She gathered with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, Opposition Leader Peter Dutton, NSW Minister Chris Minns and hundreds of tearful mourners at a sombre candlelight vigil to remember the victims of the Bondi Junction massacre on Sunday. Hundreds of mourners gathered to farewell Ashlee Good, 38, Dawn Singleton, 25, Jade Young, 47, Pikria Darchia, 55, Yixuan Cheng, 27, and Faraz Tahir, 30. They were killed by lone knifeman Joel Cauchi, 40, who also stabbed 12 other people when he went on a murderous rampage through the popular Westfield shopping centre last Saturday. Inspector Scott chased Cauchi down without any backup and shot him before he could harm anyone else. On Sunday, she was met with hugs from her colleagues and other mourners as she attended the emotional vigil at Bondi. Her actions were praised by the Prime Minister and the NSW Premier, who recognised her bravery in protecting the crowds of innocent people at the shopping centre. Speaking to the assembled crowd, Mr Minns condemned Cauchi’s actions and the fear he instilled in the city’s residents. “Every Australian woman deserves to feel safe in her community. This is your state and your city,” he told the emotional crowd. “This is your home you have every right to live your life as you choose – free from fear and violence.” “We will not be a state where a woman is forced to change their behaviour because of the feelings or anger of other people.” The NSW Premier reminded mourners that millions of Australians felt their grief and were “in (their) corner” in the months to come. “Grief can be a terrible burden, but it doesn’t have to be a lonely one,” he said. He told the crowd the six people killed had been “hopeful, optimistic” people who were looking forward to their futures. “One of the things we mourn tonight, one of the truly unforgivable things, is the loss of those tomorrows,” Mr Minns said. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese agreed that all of Australia was grieving for “all that has been stolen from us”, including “all the possibility and potential, all the kindness and humanity, all the love and laughter of the six lives snatched away” last Saturday. He said the vigil was being held for those killed in the attack and for everyone affected, including the dozen people injured and the “survivors carrying the invisible scars of trauma and of fear.” “We think of everyone still trying to come to terms with a hole in their life where a loved one should be,” Mr Albanese said. “Every Australian is thinking of you. We are with you. As a community, as a country today, tomorrow and always made those we have lost rest in eternal peace forever in our hearts.” The brave and selfless actions of first responders and everyday people were also praised during the emotional ceremony. Groups of young people were seen crying and clutching knitted teddy bears as the ceremony began at 5pm on Sunday at Dolphin Court at Bondi Beach. As the sun set, the glow from the candles held by the gathered mourners cast a gentle light on the crowd. They joined in a minute of silence to honour those were killed and injured during the horrific attack that shocked the nation. The ceremony concluded with a touching rendition of Amazing Grace sung by a local choir. Waverley Mayor Paula Masselos said the events of the past weekend were simply “unfathomable” and urged the community to lean on each other during this difficult time. “Tonight, we gather in the shadow of tragedy. Our hearts heavy with grief and our souls burdened by sorrow,” she said. “Please continue to hold your loved ones tight and raise each other up through understanding and acts of kindness. This is how we will respond to violence. This is how we will remain united recover and rebuild together.” Among those killed in the attack was security guard Faraz Tahir. Mr Tahir, who had come to Australia after fleeing persecution in Pakistan, was killed attempting to protect shoppers from Cauchi. “He is not just a hero for us but the whole nation,” Ahmadiyya Muslim Youth Association national president Adnan Qadir said. “We are here in large numbers to carry on Faraz’s legacy by reflecting on his bravery, courage, and giving strength to our youth that they too must always be ready to serve others and, most importantly, this beautiful country.” Counsellors and support services have been made available to emergency responders who have been on scene at multiple violent attacks in Sydney this week. 24/7 SUPPORT LINES